The Love Between Us
Author: Hudson, Max
Date: 2019-08-20

“The Love Between Us”

M/M Gay Romance

Max Hudson

© 2019

Max Hudson

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

This book is intended for Adults (ages 18+) only. The contents may be offensive to some readers. It may contain graphic language, explicit sexual content, and adult situations. May contain scenes of unprotected sex. Please do not read this book if you are offended by content as mentioned above or if you are under the age of 18.

Please educate yourself on safe sex practices before making potentially life-changing decisions about sex in real life. If you’re not sure where to start, see here: http://www.jerrycoleauthor.com/safe-sex-resources/ (courtesy of Jerry Cole).

This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner & are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. Products or brand names mentioned are trademarks of their respective holders or companies. The cover uses licensed images & are shown for illustrative purposes only. Any person(s) that may be depicted on the cover are simply models.

Edition v1.00 (2019.08.21)

http://www.maxhudsonauthor.com

Special thanks to the following volunteer readers who helped with proofreading: Jon Niehus, RB, JayBee and those who assisted but wished to be anonymous. Thank you so much for your support.

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter One

John was glad when he finally pressed save on the work that had been driving him insane for the past week. Sums and various figures, he could handle, but his abilities had been stretched to the limit with this month’s accounts. With everyone going off on various vacations, it made everything harder to keep track of. In their company, the other departments were supposed to keep track of when they worked and the hours while the accounting department simply got the paychecks together.

That was what they were supposed to do. But at the end of the month, it was up to John to collect what he could and figure out who had worked what. It drove him mad that grown adults could be so disorganized and then get upset when their payments were wrong.

Disorganized and whiners. John hated both. They made his teeth grind.

Now the last of the paychecks had been finished, and they would be good to go out on the first of the next month. And then the cycle would begin all over again.

Fun.

Saving the work, John prepared the paychecks to be emailed out and signed off his computer. He was looking forward to going home, taking Walrider out for his walk and having a hot shower before ordering takeout and sitting in front of the TV. The perfect start to a weekend, even if it was a bit late.

John shrugged into his jacket, picking up his keys and wallet as he waved farewell to his colleague in the cubicle across the aisle.

“Night, Sandy.”

“Night.” Then Sandy stopped and turned around, her tight red curls bouncing around her head. “Who are you going down with?”

“On my own. As always.”

Sandy frowned.

“You shouldn’t go into the parking lot alone. You know there have been a lot of muggings lately in the area. The CEOs told us not to go to our cars alone, remember?”

John rolled his eyes. He hadn’t forgotten, but he thought it was foolish. The parking lot was well-lit, there were several cameras around recording everything, and you couldn’t leave without knowing the code to the doors. It was slim to none that John would even be looked at in the wrong way.

“John…”

“Of course I haven’t forgotten. We’ve all read the memo.” John nudged his chair under his desk with his hip. “There’s nobody to act as my babysitter.”

“I could go with you.”

“No offense, Sandy, but who’s going to look after you once I’m gone?”

“Okay, I just thought I’d ask.” Sandy sighed. “I suppose you could go by the security office. Chris is on this evening.”

John paused. Chris Bayliss, the chief of security. The head honcho when it came to keeping a lock on the company.

And he was the only person who could put John on the defensive and keep him there. Every time the two of them met, John could feel something between them. It was intense, and it made his palms sweaty. From the way Chris acted around him, he was aware of it as well. And he kept his distance.

It didn’t help that Chris had once been married to John’s sister.

John realized that Sandy was still staring at him and shook himself.

“No, I’m not bothering Chris. I’m well over twenty-one, Sandy. I can take care of myself.”

“That’s what Rick said and look what happened to him.” Sandy pointed out. “Bloody nose, his car keys and wallet gone, along with the gold necklace he was giving to his girlfriend.”

“He probably wouldn’t have been bothered if he hadn’t been practically twirling it around his finger.” John grunted. “And I’m not going to be that stupid. I don’t have a gold necklace, for a start.”

Sandy bit her lip. She still didn’t look convinced.

“If you’re sure? I can call Chris for you…”

“I said no.” John realized he had said that a little too harshly and backed down, shaking his head. “I’ll be okay.”

Sandy was staring at him with worry in her eyes. John wished he could reassure her a little more. Sandy was the baby of the department, but she was more like a mother hen to everyone. Things were kept running smoothly because of her. It was hard not to like her, and John didn’t want her worrying so much.

But he wanted to get home. Hopefully, he could head out before Sandy called Chris in the security office on the ground floor so he could be intercepted. John didn’t want to deal with the man tonight.

Shoving his belongings into his pockets, John headed out of his department and into the elevator, pressing the button for the ground floor. Then he slumped against the wall, resting his head against the cold metal. The mere mention of Chris was enough to get John rattled. Nobody else could get him so nervous. The six-one silver fox had a presence that made everyone notice him, the ladies especially. But he just shrugged and got on with his work.

Even after working in the same building for practically all of his working life, straight out of university twenty years ago, John hadn’t seen Chris with anyone else after Violet. They had been divorced two years by now after six years together, and yet Chris never looked at anyone else. Women would find excuses to go to the security office just to see him, but he never took an interest.

Not that John knew of. And he knew that he watched Chris very carefully.

That wasn’t right, surely? He shouldn’t be lusting after his ex-brother-in-law. This ridiculous crush was getting worse, and John wished he would snap out of it. Previous partners had noticed his mind was elsewhere and had left pretty much soon after they brought it up. Even Violet suspected something.

John just wanted it to leave him alone. It was bad enough that he was reminded of his unmarried status at his age without the knowledge he lusted after a man he couldn’t have.

It was best to keep his distance. That was easy enough, seeing as their hours were different. John just needed to keep going on about his business without Chris getting in the middle of it.

And that included walking through the parking lot without an escort.

The doors slid open onto the parking lot and John headed out. His car was on the basement level, down a set of stairs and under a broken light. It was easy enough to pull out of the space and head toward the exit without any intrusions. That and everyone who had parked on the basement level earlier in the day had left. John didn’t need to engage in meaningless conversation with people who didn’t give a shit about him.

He was reaching into his pocket for his keys when John was slammed into from the side. He stumbled and hit a concrete pillar, jarring his shoulder. Then he felt something sharp tickling his neck, pressing his head against the pillar.

“Give us your money, pal, and then fuck off.”

The voice in his ear was a low hiss. Juvenile. He was being mugged by a kid? John jammed his elbow into the kid’s stomach, forcing him back, and turned to face him. That was when he saw that his attacker wasn’t alone. He had two friends, surrounding him in a tight circle. Dressed in sweats with their hoods over their heads, their faces in partial shadow. All of them were holding knives.

This was going to be interesting. John knew the sensible solution was not to fight, but he wasn’t in the mood to be ordered around by a group of children. He shook his head.

“I’m not giving you anything.”

The first boy sniggered, waving his knife at John’s face.

“I think you are if you want to live.”

“Fuck off.”

The boy to his left lunged, launching a kick at John’s stomach. John blocked the kick and pushed the kid away, darting past his falling body and around his car. The other two boys ran after him, blocking off his exit. One of them thrust the knife into his face, and John blocked it, grabbing the boy’s wrist and twisting. The knife fell to the ground and there was a loud cry. A feminine cry.

What the…?

John grabbed the kid’s hood and tugged it off. Long blonde hair fell loose over her shoulder, and bright blue eyes blazed at him. He was being attacked by a girl?

“Hey! That’s enough!”

John stilled. A voice he had hoped not to hear. The girl gasped and managed to pull away, grasping at her wrist.

“He was attacking me!” She screamed. “He hurt me!”

John saw a tall, broad-shouldered man with silver hair come down the stairs, his hand on the butt of his gun holstered at his waist. His bristled jaw was clenched tightly, his blue eyes flickering over John before turning to the three juveniles. The girl had been joined by her friends, who surrounded her. The knives had disappeared, and they were all whimpering.

“I thought I heard someone tell you to fuck off.” Chris said smoothly, stopping on the bottom step. “Shouldn’t you do as you’re told and fuck off?”

“We weren’t doing anything wrong!” One of the boys protested. “We were attacked for no reason!”

“I beg to differ, seeing as you’re in a private parking lot.” Chris put a hand on his hip, raising his eyebrows. “What are you doing in here?”

“We were on our way home.” The girl said. She was still clutching her wrist. “And he just jumped out at us.”

John resisted the urge to burst out laughing. Chris didn’t look amused. He shook his head.

“When you lie to adults, you need to do better than that.” He stepped off the stairs and sauntered over to them. His hand never came off his gun. “Now you have got two choices. You can leave right now and nothing will come of your trespass and attempted robbery. Or you can argue with us and I’ll have all of you arrested and turned over to the cops. Which would you like to do?”

The girl’s expression was sullen. She looked ready for a fight. But her companions were tugging her back with them. One was shaking his head.

“We don’t want any trouble,” he said in a high voice. “Really.”

“If you didn’t want trouble, you shouldn’t have tried to take this man’s wallet at knifepoint.” Chris jerked his head toward the exit. “Beat it. You’ve got five seconds to move.”

It didn’t even take two seconds before the three teenagers were hurrying toward the exit, the girl whispering angry protests at her friends. But they ignored her and pulled her along, ducking under the barrier and disappearing from sight.

“Stupid kids,” Chris muttered. He turned to John. “You okay?”

“I’m fine.” John adjusted his jacket. His hands were shaking. “I could have dealt with it, you know.”

“Really?” Chris raised his eyebrows in a skeptical look. “You thought you could handle three kids armed with switchblades? That would have been interesting.”

“I can manage.”

“I’m sure,” Chris drawled. He folded his arms. “You’re lucky Sandy called me, or you wouldn’t be in one piece right now.”

John groaned. Sandy had to stick her nose into it, even after being told not to.

“I told her not to bother you.”

“And it’s a good thing she did.”

“So you could tell a few kids to fuck off?” John snapped. “I had it under control.”

“Really?”

They stared at each other. John could feel heat creeping up his back. Arousal twisted in his stomach. Even rough around the edges, looking like he hadn’t had a shave in a while, Chris Bayliss was gorgeous. Approaching fifty and he still had an aura about him. It hadn’t faded in all the time John had known him.

Which was a pity.

John hissed and turned away, fumbling in his pocket for his keys.

“Leave me alone, Chris,” he grumbled, managing to unlock the car even as his hands trembled. “Just...leave me alone.”

“Okay,” Chris smirked. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

John bit back a retort and grabbed for the car door. He knew what he wanted to do, but that wasn’t going to make anything any better. Even as he slammed the car door and turned the engine on, John could still see Chris watching him with that smirk that drove him mad.

That man was infuriating on so many levels. John had to resist the urge to make a rude gesture at Chris as he tore out of the parking lot, his tires squealing on the asphalt.

Chapter Two

It was dark when John arrived back at his residence. He lived in the suburbs on the edge of the city, a single-story home that was surrounded by at least an acre of land. John had bought it thirteen years before once he had finally saved for his own place and not squandering it on the rent for the small apartment he had lived in since college. It felt much nicer heading home to a cleaner, quieter part of town than to an apartment block that was in danger of going up in flames whenever someone lit up a cigarette.

John had made it his own. He had even bought a dog, having always wanted one since he was a kid. A Rhodesian ridgeback with the energy of a toddler, even at the ripe old age of thirteen. He made things feel more like home whenever John came back. It was better than coming back to an empty house.

And his dog would be wondering where he was. Even though he was walked during the day by one of John’s neighbors, they always went for a run once John came home. John knew he was late, and his dog was going to make him aware of it.

Pulling his car into the driveway, John could hear the barking as soon as he got out. He unlocked the front door, only to have a huge black animal jump up at him, licking his face.

“Easy, Walrider!” John petted him and moved away, nudging the huge dog’s paws off his chest. “I’m home now. Fancy going for a run?”

Walrider barked and jumped up and down. He was always ready for a run. John headed to his bedroom and changed into his running gear. As a younger man, he had hated running. But having a companion, one that didn’t talk but was always there, made it more interesting. Walrider had boundless energy. He was a good motivator.

Walrider was still waiting by the open door, prancing around with excited yips. John couldn’t help but smile as he followed his pet outside and locked the door behind him. It was like having an excited child in the house. A very excited child. But one that was easily pleased.

The run didn’t take very long. John would often jog down to the park, once around and then take the long way home. Walrider ran along beside him happily, occasionally pattering off to do his business before joining him again. John was glad he had remembered to grab the plastic bags before he left the house; he didn’t want to be fined. Not after last time.

It was about an hour later by the time they reached home. John was starving. He was looking forward to ordering his usual takeout and sitting down to watch a game. One of the softball series would be on, and John just wanted to put his feet up.

Then he saw the hatchback pulled up behind his car in the drive. Someone was sitting in the driver’s seat, slight illumination outlining his face from a device in his hand that he was concentrated on. John slowed to a walk, Walrider trotting along beside him.

What was he doing here? He hadn’t forgotten an important date, had he? David Coyne often came over when John had forgotten something. Somehow, he preferred to chastise his son face-to-face than over the phone.

As John walked across his lawn, the door opened and his father climbed out.

“I thought you’d be home by now.”

“I needed to take Walrider for a run.” John fished out his keys. “Paychecks needed to be ready to send out, so I had to stay late.”

“I see.” David shut his car door with a heavy sigh. “You’re going to burn yourself into the ground, John.”

John snorted.

“That’s rich coming from the man who practically lived in his office. It’s surprising you remembered that you had a family.”

“That’s not fair. At least I knew my limits.”

“No, you didn’t. I can’t begin to count how many times you ended up in hospital because you forgot to rest.”

John wasn’t about to forget the times he had to see his father after David had collapsed at his desk. Being the assistant district attorney had been a title David wanted to keep, and he went to the extremes. He loved his job, but it got to him on too many occasions. John was surprised a heart attack hadn’t taken his father and that David had managed to reach the ripe old age of sixty-five before retiring. The man was made of steel.

That had been four years ago, and it looked like David was showing no signs of slowing down.

He was too tired to argue with his dad about long hours. John nodded toward his house.

“Do you want to come in, Dad? It’s getting cold out here.”

“Okay.” David grimaced as Walrider barked and jumped up at him, his big paws bouncing off David’s chest. “As long as you keep that mutt away from me.”

“Walrider is not a mutt.” John protested, whistling sharply. Walrider trotted over to him, doing circles around John’s legs. “He’s a live wire, but he’s not a mutt.”

David still didn’t look convinced. He hated dogs. John had wanted a dog for years as a kid, but David had refused. Walrider had been around for a long time, and he seemed to know that David had a dislike for him, so the dog pounced on himself whenever he could. Even with his dislike for Walrider, John could tell that David had some respect for his pet. Walrider was a good companion for John. David had conceded years back that John’s happiness was more important than his distaste for dogs.

Even then, he kept himself at a distance as they entered the house. Walrider bounced in straight to the kitchen, shoving his nose into his water bowl. As he lapped away, John stepped past him and switched the kettle on.

“Coffee?”

“Please.” David eased himself onto a chair at the kitchen table with a heavy sigh. “I feel like I need an energy burst.”

“Energy burst, you? You keep going no matter what, Dad.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” David grunted. “I feel like I’m getting tired quicker than normal.”

He yawned loudly. John laughed.

“It’s called old age.”

“Thank you very much.” David sat back and stretched his legs out under the table. “You still going to soccer?”

“When I can.” John retrieved two coffee mugs from the cupboard. “I’m starting to lose my enthusiasm for it, though, so it’s sparingly.”

“It keeps you fit. And you need that.”

“You make it sound like I need to lose weight.” John patted his flat belly. “I’m fine. I go to work on my bike three times a week and I go for a run every evening with Walrider. That’s enough for me right now with my busy schedule.”

“I see.” David paused. “And is it too busy to see your mother?”

John paused.

“What’s happened? Is she okay?”

David’s jaw tightened. He suddenly looked frailer than he had a moment before. John should have guessed there was a reason for visiting at this time of night, but David had a habit of doing small talk before he went to the news he was carrying. It was frustrating, and now John wished his father had told him as soon as he got back from his run.

“She was admitted into hospital this morning.” David rubbed his hands over his face. “She fell on the path getting the mail and broke her hip.”

John felt a chill go up his spine. He loved his mother, and he had worried about her over the last four years since she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Suddenly, she had become a shadow of her former self. Katherine Coyne wasn’t as strong as before, both mentally and physically.

This would be the fifth time in two years that she had ended up in the hospital.

“How’s she doing?”

“Not good. In a lot of pain.” David sighed heavily. “But she has to have an operation in the morning. Put a new hip in as hers is completely smashed.”

Another operation. The third in two years. John said nothing as he finished making the coffee and carried the mugs to the table. Placing one in front of his father, John sat across from him, putting his mug to one side.

“If you want me to pay for the operation, Dad, I’m more than happy to do so.”

David scowled.

“That’s not why I’m here, John. I can handle it.”

“No, you can’t. I remember how expensive it was last time. Let me help out, Dad. It’s the least I can do.”

David was still wavering. He didn’t like accepting help from anyone. The entire family was like that, stubborn to the last. John wished he could help more, but his father was determined to do things himself. Not this time. John didn’t think his parents had completely paid off the last medical bill.

David’s shoulder sagged and he looked away in dejection. He nodded.

“Okay.”

“Don’t be embarrassed about asking. You know I’ll always do it.”

David grunted.

“Thank you, son. Would you be able to come up and see her?”

“Of course.” John picked up his coffee mug and took a sip. “I can ask tomorrow if I can have an extended lunch break and work an hour later. I’ll come over then.”

“Thank you.” David managed a smile. “She’ll be glad to see you. The operation is tomorrow afternoon, so anything to take her mind off it.”

“I’ll do what I can.” John paused. “Does Violet know about Mom?”

David’s smile started fading. Pain appeared in his eyes.

“She does, but she’s on vacation right now. She said she won’t be back for another week.”

“Another week?” John snorted. “You’d think she would come back immediately for her mother.”

“You know what your sister’s like. If it didn’t happen to her, it’s not her problem.”

John couldn’t argue with that. His younger sister had always been the princess who wanted everything. Even when she had everything that she had done a few years back, Violet wanted more. She just didn’t know when to stop.

Chris had learned the hard way. John didn’t know how many times Violet cheated on him, thinking she could get Chris to go along with it. At least he had put his foot down and kicked her out the moment he found out; Chris Bayliss wasn’t an idiot. Violet, sadly, had thought he was.

Seeing his father’s dejected look, John reached over and touched David’s hand.

“Forget about Violet for now. I’ll do whatever I can with Mom, okay?”

“Please.” David sighed. “It’s not easy when I’m alone with her.”

“Then let me hire a caregiver for Mom. It would help you out.”

But David was already shaking his head before John had finished.

“No, John. No. I won’t go down that road. Your mother wouldn’t find that dignified.”

“Look, Dad, both of you need to swallow your pride. Mom needs your support, but she also needs you to look after yourself. She needs to know you’re well enough to be there for her. You can’t do that if you collapse yourself. The spouse often dies before the one being cared for, remember?”

“That’s not always the case, John.”

“But it is possible.” John insisted. “I don’t want to go down that road with you.”

He could see David was wavering. The man didn’t like to admit that he needed help, or that he wasn’t as strong as everyone thought. Katherine was exactly the same. Even with her memory deteriorating, she didn’t like to ask for help. John loved his parents dearly, but he wished they would step back and let someone else take charge. It would make their lives a lot easier.

But that was a conversation for another time. David just needed some company for now, to take his mind off things.

“Look, I’m about to order some food in. While I have a shower, do you fancy putting the TV on? I think there’s a softball game tonight.”

David shrugged and then squared his shoulders.

“Okay. If you don’t mind me moaning.”

John laughed as he stood.

“You’ve been doing that for years. What’s new there?”

Chapter Three

Katherine was in a grumpy mood when John went to see her on his lunch break, but she brightened up when John brought her favorite strawberries and talked to her. She was hazy on what had happened and wanted to go home, even trying to get up and leave, but John managed to keep her in the bed. This was not one of her good days.

It broke John’s heart to see his mother like this. The woman had been the backbone of the family, even more so than David. She was always so strong, and to see her struggling like this and losing memories was painful. John wished he could do something about it, but it was life. It often wasn’t kind.

However, seeing his mother did make John feel better as he headed back to work. No matter her mood, Katherine always managed to have him smiling. Her presence did that to people. Everyone loved her.

Even after visiting her, John was still thinking about his mother throughout the afternoon. She would be undergoing her operation and then she would be in hospital for days before going home to recover properly. If all went well, she would be able to walk properly. If not, then there was a chance the operation would have to be done all over again.

Katherine was tough, but even she wouldn’t want to go through it once more.

For a week, John went to see Katherine in the hospital. She had days where she was fed up and wanted to go home, and others where she was smiling and happy, eager for someone to talk to. John sat with her until visiting hours ended in the evening so David could go and have something to eat. She was taking to the operation well, and the doctors were confident she would be at home within another week.

John hoped so. He knew it was taking its toll on both David and Katherine. At least they would be more comfortable at home, somewhere familiar.

By the time Friday came along, John decided he would go up to his parents’ home an hour away and stay with them, making sure they had everything. Katherine adored Walrider, who was like a constant companion to her whenever they visited. It would do her good.

Along with his colleague, John headed down into the parking lot that evening. Sandy brushed her hair out of her eyes and gave John a smile.

“Thanks for escorting me to my car.”

“It’s an honor.”

Sandy giggled.

“You forgot the ‘my lady’ bit.”

“Does it really need to be said?” John gave her a low bow. “My lady.”

Sandy’s giggles turned into a full-belly laugh. She punched his shoulder.

“You’re bonkers, John.”

“I have to keep myself going somehow.”

Sandy was still laughing as she kissed his cheek. Then she started walking toward her car, waving over her shoulder.

“See you tomorrow.”

“Bye.”

“John!”

John turned. He saw a woman with raven hair flowing out behind her storming toward him across the parking lot. Her heels click-clacked loudly on the tarmac, and her stride was quick, angry. John groaned. He could have done without this.

“John?” Sandy had paused, turning back to him. “You okay?”

John wasn’t, but he wasn’t about to let Sandy get the sharp side of the woman’s tongue. He waved her away, watching as Sandy reluctantly went to her car and got in. As Sandy pulled out of her spot and drove off, Violet Coyne reached John. She tossed her hair over her shoulder, her blue eyes settling on her brother.

“Good to see you, Violet.” John sneered. “How was Cancun?”

“It was fine until Dad called me about Mom last week,” Violet snorted. “Did he tell you as well?”

“Of course he did. I’ve been visiting Mom since she went into hospital.” John folded his arms. “Have you been to see her? I know Mom would like to see you.”

Violet shook her head, making a face.

“No way. I hate hospitals. She can wait until she’s home.”

“And you came all the way down here to tell me that?” John narrowed his eyes. “What are you doing here, Violet?”

“Me?” Violet blinked and looked confused. “I wanted to see how you were doing. You’re my brother, after all.”

“You’ve never cornered me at work to see how I am before.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Yes, you do.” John sighed. He could guess what was going on. “You and your latest squeeze have broken up and now you’re trying to get back with Chris.”

“Of course not!”

But John shook his head. He knew his sister. It was her modus operandi since Chris had divorced her. Violet would go to a man she thought would give her a better life and looked good on her arm. Then she would have a fight with the guy when they couldn’t keep up with her or put their foot down on something - usually about money - and Violet would drop them, going back to Chris. And every time Chris sent her away with her tail between her legs.

It had been eighteen months since the divorce had been finalized, and Violet still hadn’t got it into her head that Chris wanted nothing more to do with her.

Violet huffed and waved her hand.

“Okay, fine. I wanted to talk to him. We haven’t spoken in a while.”

“You’re his ex-wife. There is a reason for that.”

“But we were still married.”

John rolled his eyes.

“Violet, you two never had children so you have no excuse to talk about that, and the settlement was dealt with a long time ago. You get nothing more. So why are you still bothering?”

Violet pouted. She planted her hands on her hips.

“It was a misunderstanding. I kept telling Chris that, but he wouldn’t listen.”

“He caught you cheating on him and with more than one person.” John made a face. “A threesome in his own bed? Are you mad, Violet?”

“You... He told you that?”

“Come off it, who do you think he came to when he found out?”

John could still remember that night. Chris, strong and tough Chris, had been a mess. He couldn’t understand why Violet would betray him, and they had spent most of the night talking while Chris tried to figure out where he had gone wrong for Violet to stray. It had broken John’s heart to see him like that.

“Oh, did he?” Violet sneered. “And I bet you loved that.”

“Grow up, Violet. You violated the marriage and Chris got rid of you, as he should have. He’s not going to forgive you anytime soon, and he’s certainly not going to take you back.” John rubbed at his eyes. Talking to his sister always gave him a headache. “You’re lucky he hasn’t put a restraining order on you.”

“I haven’t done anything wrong and he knows it.”

John knew he wasn’t going to get it into Violet’s head that she should go home. She was going into the building to look for Chris, whether he liked it or not.

“Violet, it’s been two years. Chris didn’t change his mind that easily, and he’s certainly not going to get back with the woman who cheated on him. It’s time to just leave it be, don’t you think?” He smirked. “Or wait until the next guy comes along for you to fawn over.”

Violet snarled.

“Pig.”

“Looked in the mirror lately?”

John could still hear Violet shouting obscenities at him as he walked away. He had to bite his lip to stop himself from laughing.

Chapter Four

Chris was worn out, and he had barely started his shift. He hadn’t been sleeping well lately, and all he wanted to do was go home and slip into his bed.

Why did he agree to be the supervisor of the night shift? Better pay, yes, but that paled when it meant having a sleeping pattern Chris still hadn’t got used to even after ten months.

At least it stopped him from interacting with Violet. Even though the divorce was finalized and Chris wasn’t about to change it anytime soon, she kept coming over to bother him. Chris wished she would just walk away and leave him alone.

But that would be too easy, wouldn’t it? Violet never made it easy.

And then Chris realized he was watching Violet on one of the cameras in the parking lot. She was arguing with John, looking rather irate. Chris couldn’t see John’s expression, but from the tension in his shoulders it looked as though he would rather be anywhere but with his sister.

Chris couldn’t blame him. Violet did that to everyone, even him. And it had taken him some years before Chris agreed with everyone else about his ex-wife. Violet really had pulled the wool over his eyes. And it wasn’t pleasant when it finally came off.

Everyone had been right about her. Chris just hadn’t been willing to believe it. He certainly believed it now.

It was a few moments longer before John walked away, heading toward his car. Chris tried not to openly stare at John’s retreating back, his trousers stretching over his taut backside. The raven-haired man, slim with solid muscle, was certainly a sight to see. It was a wonder he hadn’t settled down yet; anyone would consider John Coyne a great catch. But John never seemed to have much luck with love. His relationships never seemed to last long. He was married to his work.

Chris had often wondered what someone had to possess to get John’s attention.

“Hey, Chris.”

Chris looked up. Violet was in the doorway to his office. He hadn’t realized she had left the parking lot. Now she was leaning on the doorframe giving him a coquettish look. He had to admit she still looked as lovely as ever, her curvy frame clad in a white blouse and short skirt, but it did nothing for him now. After everything Violet had done, Chris couldn’t find it in himself to see Violet with nothing more than contempt.

“What do you want, Violet?”

“I came to see you.”

Chris groaned. He didn’t want to talk to Violet. Their marriage had left a nasty taste in his mouth. He swiveled his chair around and started tapping away at his laptop.

“Go away. I’m busy.”

“You’re not busy. Everyone’s gone home now.” There was a rustling of a skirt, and Chris could hear Violet’s heels clicking across the floor. “Can’t we talk?”

“What about?”

Chris tensed when Violet put her hands on his shoulders. Her fingers brushed at his neck.

“Us. What else?”

“There is no us. We got divorced.” Chris shrugged her hands away and stood, putting the chair between them. He glared at her. “Are you trying to get back with me again because your recent squeeze didn’t work out?”

“Why do you always assume the worst of me?”

“Because you made me assume the worst.” Chris folded his arms. “I’m not taking you back, and I’ve said that every time. You seem to have a very short memory when it comes to what I say, Violet.”

Violet smiled.

“That’s because you love me.” She purred. “You know you still love me.”

“I did love you. Once.” Chris narrowed his eyes. The woman just wouldn’t take a hint. “Do you enjoy tormenting people, Violet? Do you like men running around after you?”

“I don’t need to do anything. They like to run around after me.”

“Not all of them.”

“Oh, trust me, all of them do in the end.”

“Certainly not your brother.” Chris snorted. “I saw you two arguing on the monitors. He didn’t seem particularly happy to see you.”

Violet rolled her eyes.

“John is never happy to see me. He’s always been jealous of me and what I have.” She stroked her hair and smirked. “I’ve always got what I wanted and he’s still wishing for something that he can never have.”

Chris had no idea what she was talking about. And he didn’t care to know. He took her arm and guided her toward the door.

“Violet, I haven’t got any time to converse. I’m meant to be working. Get out of here.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” Violet pulled her arm away and pressed a hand to his chest. “I missed you.”

Chris had to resist the urge to burst out laughing. He couldn’t stop the smirk as he looked down at the raven-haired beauty practically pressing herself against him.

“Did you miss me when you were in Cancun?” He challenged. “Did you miss me when you were in bed with other men? I do wonder what I was on when we met, because I wouldn’t have tolerated this had I known at the start.”

Violet grinned.

“I was everything you needed.” She whispered against his mouth. “That’s why you stayed.”

“No, you weren’t.” Chris grabbed her and set her back before Violet could kiss him. “It just took me a while to figure that out.”

“Chris?” One of his colleagues had appeared in the doorway, looking curiously between them. “Anything wrong?”

“Nothing.” Chris let go of Violet quickly and stepped away. “Alex, could you escort Miss Coyne back to her car. Make sure she actually leaves the premises. I don’t want to see her back here.”

“Of course.” Alex beckoned at Violet. “Come on, Miss. Let’s go.”

“In a moment.” Violet waved Alex away, still staring up at Chris. “Mr. Bayliss and I have a few things to discuss.”

“No, we don’t.” Chris snapped. “Now, leave. I won’t be nice next time.”

Violet’s smile started to waver. It seemed to be finally getting into her head. She sighed and stepped back, blowing Chris a kiss.

“See you later, Chris. You know how to get hold of me.”

Then she walked out, her hips swaying as she left the room. Alex glanced at Chris, who scowled and turned away.

“Get her out of here. And next time she comes in, she’s to be forcibly removed.”

“Not a problem.”

Alex disappeared, and Chris let out a growl, kicking over the trash can.

“Stupid bitch.”

Chapter Five

Chris circled the mat, keeping on the balls of his feet, his hands up ready for the attack. Across from him, Nick Houghton did the same. Neither rushed into anything. They merely waited.

He could only hope that Nick was as worn out as he was. The other man was pushing sixty, but he was fitter than Chris could ever hope to be. And Nick didn’t look like he was about to give in anytime soon.

Chris could see Nick waiting for that chance to move in and deliver a killer move, one that would have Chris on the floor. But Chris kept moving, just out of reach. Then he darted in, grabbing at Nick’s shoulder. Nick knocked his hand away and caught hold of Chris’ lapel, pulling Chris off-balance. He executed a throw over his shoulder that made Chris’ head spin.

His foot hit the floor first and his ankle twisted out from under him. Chris emitted a yell as he sprawled on the mat, one that was cut short as the air was knocked out of his lungs.

“You okay, Chris?”

Nick knelt beside him. Chris rolled onto his back with a groan.

“I think so.” Chris sat up slowly. His ankle was throbbing. “You took me by surprise.”

“That’s the idea.” Nick sat back on his haunches. “I think it’s time to finish the session.”

“I paid for an hour.”

“And it’s fifty minutes. I’ll let you have the next session at a discount.”

Chris made a face. He had managed to find some energy for a private judo class, but he couldn’t even manage that. He flopped onto his back in a huff, staring at the ceiling.

“What’s the matter with you, Chris?” Nick settled beside him, stretching his legs out in front of him as he began to lean toward his toes. “You’re not normally this distracted.”

“I…” Chris sighed. “I’m just not with it right now.”

“No shit.” Nick grunted. “Last time you were like this, Violet had been bothering…” His voice died away and he sat up. “She’s bothering you again, isn’t she?”

“She came to my work last night. Said she wanted to get back together.”

Nick stared.

“And you didn’t give in, did you?”

“Of course not! What do you take me for?”

Nick had seen it all first-hand. He had been Chris’ best man, and Chris had done the same at Nick’s wedding. Nick had not been Violet’s top supporter, but he had been at Chris’ side regardless. Now Chris wondered how many people actually thought he and Violet were not meant to be and didn’t tell him.

“It’s been two years.” Nick shook his head. “Doesn’t she understand a divorce means a divorce?”

“Apparently not. Violet is a manipulator. She loves to have men running around on her.”

“I thought you didn’t.”

“I don’t. Which is why she keeps coming back.” Chris wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve and sat up. “She had me before so she thinks she has prior claim.”

Nick snorted.

“She’s a fucking psycho.”

“I wish I’d known that before.” Chris grumbled. “John should’ve warned me. Hell, everyone should’ve warned me.”

“Would you have listened back then?”

“Probably not.”

“Exactly. No point in trying to warn you off if you were going to listen with the wrong brain.” Nick went back to his stretching. “You need to do your cool-down, Chris, or you’re going to be knotted up later on.”

Chris hated stretching. It seemed more painful than the rest of the workout. But he shifted his legs into a wide split and reached down to one foot, easing his head toward his knee.

“How John and Violet are related, I have no idea.” Nick commented, pushing himself to his feet and touching the floor with his hands, his legs straight. “They’re like chalk and cheese.”

“Violet’s just cut from a completely different cloth, that’s all.” Chris muttered. “One that doesn’t seem to be anywhere near her family’s.”

“The parents are saints to have put up with her.” Nick paused. “You know she tried it on with me as well?”

“What?” That had Chris sitting up. “When was this?”

“Just after you two got married. And then again just after your divorce was finalized.” Nick shuddered. “I told her to fuck off both times. Even if I wasn’t married to Tess, I wasn’t getting myself involved with that mess.”

Chris had had no idea about this. But he shouldn’t have been surprised; after catching her actively cheating in his bed, several others including some close friends had come forward to admit Violet had tried it on with them. A couple had even admitted they had slept with her when she was meant to be faithful to him.

Needless to say, those people who had succumbed weren’t friends anymore.

“Why didn’t you tell me about this?”

“Would you have believed me had I said it years ago?” Nick queried.

He was right. Chris wouldn’t have believed him. At that time, Violet had him under her spell. Nick’s words would have gone over his head and their friendship would have ended.

“She’s messed up, Chris.” Nick went on as he dropped into the plank position. “You’re better off without her.”

Chris couldn’t argue with that.

Chapter Six

John finished making the cup of tea and carried it through into the lounge. Katherine was sitting in her favorite chair, her feet up on the ottoman. John smiled at her as he handed her the cup.

“There you go, Mom. Get that down you.”

“Thanks, John, darling.” Katherine took the cup and gave John a brilliant smile. “You’re such a good boy.”

“I do my best.”

John sat on the couch and watched as his mother took a sip. He had taken to coming up to his parents’ home every weekend so David could get a break. Neither of them was willing to hire a caregiver, so John visited them whenever he could and took over for a while until his father got back from the shopping or from an afternoon to himself. It seemed to be relaxing his father more being on his own. And Katherine was delighted to see her son.

This weekend was one of her good weekends. She was in a very good mood, and she was laughing and joking with her son. John enjoyed it when Katherine was in a good mood; she was a lot of fun.

He missed it when they had that all the time without the fear of when her mind was going to go on a wander and his mother would forget even the simplest of things.

“This is fabulous.” Katherine declared. She took another sip and put the cup to one side on the table at her elbow. “I wish you could come over more often, John. But I do know work is busy and that needs to come first.”

“You come first, Mom. You know that.”

“You’re too sweet.” Katherine sighed. “Just don’t let me get in the way of your life or your job. I don’t want to hold you back.”

“Oh, Mom.” John smiled. “You’re not getting in the way of anything. Don’t think of yourself as a burden.”

“I don’t want to, but there are times when I think I have been a burden to you.”

“How do you make that out?”

“Well, you’re forty-three now and unmarried.” Katherine’s eyes glinted. “You haven’t brought a boyfriend around at all. I haven’t heard you talk about anyone special, either. It’s like you’ve put your love life to one side to focus on your work.”

“I just don’t…” John stopped. What had his mother just said? He thought he had misheard her. He stared at Katherine. “What did you say? Boyfriend?”

“Yes, boyfriend.” Katherine laughed. “Don’t look so shocked, John. I may be losing my mind, but I’m not stupid. I’ve known about your preference for years.”

John’s mouth opened and closed. He had purposefully not told his mother about his sexuality so she didn’t feel upset that her son wouldn’t be able to give her grandchildren - Katherine did love children - but where had he slipped up?

“I... What... How…”

Katherine was still giggling.

“You want to know where I found out? I told you, I’m not stupid. And I did see you with another boy holding hands when you were about sixteen. It didn’t take much to put two and two together.”

John sat back, staring at his mother.

“And you never said anything?”

“Of course not. I knew it was a sensitive subject, so I wanted to wait until you brought it up. Which you never did.” Katherine shook her head. “Why didn’t you feel brave enough to talk to me about it? And does your father know?”

“He caught me kissing someone when I was at university. It’s not something he brings up.” David was a traditional man, and while he accepted John as who he was, it was tough to discuss. “And I didn’t say anything to you because I didn’t want you to be shocked. Embarrassed by me.”

“Why would I be embarrassed?”

“You’re a very traditional woman, Mom. Nothing out of place from the norm.”

Katherine gave him a soft smile, reaching out to him.

“Oh, love, come here.”

John sat forward and took his mother’s hand. Katherine squeezed his fingers, her expression warm. “You’re my son. I love you. You would never embarrass me. Besides,” she added as she made a face, “you can’t be as embarrassing as your sister is right now.”

John had to concede that. Violet had been the apple of her parents’ eyes at a little girl, but as she got older she took advantage of that. Now she simply drove her parents to despair, and she didn’t seem to care. It was no surprise that she was doing something embarrassing right now.

“What’s Violet been doing now?”

“A lot of bad things.” Katherine’s smile was fading. She released John’s hand and placed it in her lap. “She’s been coming over since getting back from her vacation. As soon as your dad’s out the room, Violet tries to get me to sign power of attorney over to her.”

“What?”

“She has the papers ready to go and everything. It just needs my signature.”

John stared. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. But he shouldn’t have been surprised. Violet loved money and would do anything to get it. Katherine and David’s jobs had been quite lucrative, and they were sitting on a nice nest egg. John knew they needed it now after Katherine’s medical bills started escalating, but Violet wanted her inheritance right now.

“She can’t do that, can she?”

“She can’t, but she’s trying.” Katherine grunted. “Violet claims that my mind is pretty much gone and that your father is struggling himself, both physically and emotionally. We need someone to take care of both of us and to deal with our finances.”

John snorted.

“That’s bull. I know Dad needs someone to help take care of you so he doesn’t burn himself into the ground, but he doesn’t need someone to be power of attorney over him. His mind is sharper than mine.”

“I know that and I told Violet that.” Katherine sighed. “My illness is in its early stages, and I’m not completely ga-ga.”

“I know that, Mom. You don’t need to confirm it for me.”

“There are times when I need to confirm it for myself. And I’ve told Violet that I will not let her have power of attorney over me. Not when I know she doesn’t have our best interests at heart.”

John was glad that his mother was still relatively sharp. She was stubborn, much like the rest of the family. But she was getting more and more vulnerable as her illness took hold. It wouldn’t be long before Katherine wouldn’t be able to cope at all. John didn’t want it to go that far, and he certainly didn’t want Violet in charge of it.

“I’ll speak to Dad.” John promised. “I’ll make sure the two of you are covered. Make sure something is in place in your will or something like that which makes sure Violet won’t take advantage.”

“Oh, we’re way ahead of you. David’s at Trevor’s office today sorting it out.”

That made John feel a little better. He didn’t want to think how David must have felt to hear his own daughter was trying to go over his head to take charge of his wife. David was still of sound mind and he would take care of Katherine as long as he was able.

John couldn’t understand why anyone would want to be mean and greedy. Then again, Violet was someone you could never completely understand. She was off in her own little world where she was in charge and nothing could touch her.

“Oh, dear.”

“Mom?”

Katherine sighed.

“I don’t want to speak ill of my daughter, John. I love her, yes, but she’s not grown into the lovely woman I wanted her to be. She’s thrown everything away to follow the money trail and more exciting lives.” She bit her lip. “She wasn’t one to be tied down. I’m surprised Chris lasted as long as he did. Such a patient man. And so sweet.”

“Chris, sweet?” John snorted. “I wouldn’t call Chris sweet.”

“I would.” Katherine’s eyes glinted, her lovely smile curling at her mouth. “He visits me sometimes, bringing me cake his mother makes. He’s good company while David goes out to do the shopping. I enjoy our conversations. The man is an absolute saint.”

John stared. How had he not known about that? David would have said something to him as well. Maybe Chris had got him to promise not to say a word. It was out of character for Chris, and perhaps he didn’t want his ex-wife to know he was still in good contact with his former in-laws. Violet wouldn’t have been happy about that.

He wouldn’t have wanted to be seen as a softie.

“John?”

John jumped. Katherine was frowning at him. He cleared his throat.

“Sorry, Mom. Miles away.”

“I noticed.” Katherine waved her hand at the TV remote on the couch beside John’s hand. “I think Golden Girls is going to be on in a minute. Watch it with me?”

John smiled and picked the remote up.

“Of course.”

Chapter Seven

The weather was starting to get worse as John left his parents’ home. Rain was pattering briskly on his windshield, causing John to put the wipers on. Up in the hills, whenever it started raining the towns would suffer. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the place ended up partially flooded.

John had to go through the hills and steep slopes to get back home. That meant going on roads that could get flooded and were often too dangerous to drive in bad weather. The place was completely avoided in the winter when the snow fell, although there were always a few idiots who attempted it and ended up sliding down the hill, their car going to the junkyard while the driver went to the hospital or worse. David had told him it wasn’t safe to drive back, but John needed to get home. He had work the next morning, and Walrider was at home. His neighbor was keeping an eye on his dog, but John knew Walrider would settle once he was back.

But as John drove through the hills and along the roads, he realized that he should have taken the much longer route around the edge of the hills. The rain had got worse, turning into a storm. The wind howled and John could feel it rocking the car. The tires kept slipping, moving back and forth erratically before he was able to get back in control.

He should have turned back. Headed back to his parents’ house or gone around the long way. It meant he would be back at almost midnight, but it meant he would be in one piece. However, John’s stubbornness won out. He wanted to go home. And that meant taking the storm on head-on.

The road was starting to flatten out when there was a loud squeal and the back of the car started to slide widely to one side. John grasped onto the wheel and tried to keep it straight, but soon his car was sliding sideways down the road. He couldn’t get the car back on track, so John braced himself and put the handbrake on.

The front of the car hit the rocky slope, knocking the car around sharply so now it was going down the hill trunk first. John was thrown against the window, slamming his head against the glass, as the trunk then hit the rocks, sending the car into a spin. He found himself grabbing onto the wheel, trying to stop the spinning.

When the car finally stopped, it was after it hit the side of the hill, bringing everything to a juddering halt. John’s head hit the steering wheel, and he began to see stars. He lay slumped against the wheel for a moment, waiting until the world stopped tilting everywhere. Even then, his head was pounding. It felt like it was going to split open.

Somehow, John managed to get his door open. Climbing out gingerly, John leaned on his car as he inspected the damage. The front bumper was crushed and one front tire had gone. Several of the windows were shattered, and there was blood on the driver’s window. John could feel the blood trickling down his head.

Now what was he going to do? There wasn’t a hospital nearby, and the nearest inhabitants were further down the hill. John didn’t think he would be able to get down there without injuring himself further. There wouldn’t even be any phone signal up here.

“Fuck!”

John kicked at his car and lost his balance, toppling onto the ground. His head spun more wildly, and he had to lie there for a moment before everything righted again. Then John crawled over to the car and propped himself up against the wheel. He couldn’t stay here; he could freeze and die of hypothermia. And he could end up seriously ill if he stayed out in the storm.

John couldn’t think of anything else he could do. Except get back into the car once his head stopped spinning.

Bright lights appeared off to his right, and John felt it going straight into his brain. He covered his eyes, but the lights only got brighter. Then he heard an engine. What other person was stupid enough to follow his example?

The engine got closer and then turned into a simmering rumble. A door opened and closed, and John could hear footsteps splashing toward him.

“John?”

John lowered his hand and looked up. Chris was standing over him, wearing a waterproof jacket zipped up to the neck and matching pants, black wellington boots on his feet. He was staring at John with a startled look, water dripping off his hair and trickling down his face.

“Chris.”

“What are you doing out here?”

“I…” John could feel the world spinning again. He rested his head back on the car. “I lost control of the car. The road’s rather slippery.”

“I can tell.” Chris knelt beside him. His brow furrowed and he reached out. “You’re bleeding.”

John flinched as Chris’ fingers brushed across his forehead. That hurt.

“I’m fine. It’s nothing.”

Chris snorted.

“Bullshit. You’re bleeding and it’s bad.”

“I’m okay.”

“Try that with someone who will believe you.” Chris took his arm and hauled John to his feet, pulling so hard John nearly toppled over. “Come with me.”

“Where?”

“My place is further down the hill.” Chris said grimly, leading John toward his Jeep. “This is going to become a big storm, and the roads going back to town aren’t going to be fun. It’s best that we take shelter at my home.”

Chris’ home. The cabin he had constructed just after he and Violet had got married. John had forgotten it was up in the hills, away from the bustle of the city. Chris liked his solitude, and it was a simple route straight to their workplace. John hadn’t been there for a while. Not for a year, at least.

But being in a confined space with Chris? Alone? John could feel his cock hardening at the thought. He swallowed and tried to pull away.

“Just take me back to my house.”

Chris looked at him like he had gone mad.

“You can’t be serious? In this weather?”

“Yes.”

“Not a chance. The forecast said it was going to get worse in a couple of hours. This isn’t the half of it.” Chris grasped John’s arm and hauled him toward the Jeep. “You need somewhere that’s warm and dry to wait out the storm. I’m sure I’ll have some spare clothes for you.”

He opened the passenger door and urged John inside. John huddled on his seat, soaked to the skin and shivering. But it suddenly started getting warmer once Chris climbed in behind the wheel, much closer than John anticipated. Chris’ arm brushed against John’s elbow as he took the handbrake off and negotiated his Jeep down the slope.

If just the mere brush of the man’s arm got him in a hot sweat, John didn’t want to think how he would react if it was anything else.

Chapter Eight

Chris was very much aware of how close John was in the passenger seat, sliding over to his side whenever they turned a corner. The road was getting bumpy and bogged down with mud, which had the Jeep bouncing around madly. John was getting thrown around on his side and he kept slumped against Chris once the bumping stopped. As soon as he realized what he was doing, John jerked away like he had been burned and huddled by the door.

Did he find him repulsive? Chris glanced at John, who was staring out at the storm, out the front windshield. Anywhere but at him. Had Violet told him something and John believed it? Chris didn’t think so. He had been the one Chris had turned to once he had walked in and found Violet cheating on him. John had supported him throughout the divorce. It was only in the last year that they had started getting distant. John was pulling away, trying to find excuses not to be in his presence.

What had he done wrong?

Chris had tried to ask John directly, but John was evasive. His former brother-in-law, his friend, had just moved back. It was like they were strangers now. And that hurt. Chris felt the knot in his belly whenever he saw John. The man filled his thoughts, and it was beginning to affect his work.

Being attracted to his ex-brother-in-law was surely going to raise some eyebrows. However, Chris was getting to the point where he didn’t care.

They needed a talk. And very soon.

It wasn’t long before they turned off the main road, going down a trail to Chris’ cabin. He had always wanted a cabin of his own out in the countryside, and it was perfect. The views were incredible, and the cabin was protected from the worst of the weather. All the amenities were there, except for a couple of log fires instead of radiators and heaters. Chris had fallen in love with log fires as a boy, and that had been one of the first things he installed. Easy access to the city and he could still have his own solitude.

Violet had complained about it all the time. She had thought it was sweet and idyllic, but those comments didn’t last long. At least she hadn’t tried to take his home in the divorce; Chris wasn’t about to give up his pride and joy.

Pulling into the carport, Chris hurried around to the passenger side and opened the door. That was when he saw John slumped in the seat.

“Fuck!”

He hadn’t noticed that John had fallen unconscious in the journey. And there was more blood on his head than Chris anticipated. The man was dead weight as Chris hauled him off the seat, raising him into a fireman’s carry. But he was breathing. Chris could feel warm breath tickling his cheek.

Kicking his Jeep door shut, Chris hurried to his cabin and managed to get inside without dropping John or his keys. Nudging the door shut, Chris went through the cabin to his bedroom. He lay John down on the bed and checked his vital signs. They were strong. John had simply passed out.

He was going to get hypothermia. The temperature had dropped significantly since the storm started, and John’s clothes were soaked through. Chris knew he was going to need to get John’s things off him, but the idea of stripping the unconscious man completely naked felt bad. If he was going to strip John, the man was going to be awake.

“Enough,” he growled, hurrying into the bathroom. “Now’s not the time.”

Searching through the cabinet, he found a pair of surgical scissors, some gauze and bandages along with some wet wipes. Chris came back into the bedroom and sat on the bed. John barely moved, but a small sigh came from his mouth. Even with blood on his face, he looked very peaceful.

Chris swallowed and began to carefully clean the head wound with the wet wipes. It wasn’t too bad a wound, merely splitting the skin open. At least John wouldn’t have anything more than a headache and a concussion.

Once he had finished, Chris got to his feet and braced himself. Then he started checking John’s body, sliding his hands over the man’s arms and shoulders. This was just to make sure nothing else was broken, he told himself. It was for medical reasons, nothing more.

But when Chris got to John’s waist, his hand brushed against John’s crotch. That was when he saw that John had an erection. And it was a big one. Chris’ mouth went dry. How long had John been sporting that? Was he the reason?

The urge to touch John’s erection was great. Chris knew he shouldn’t, but he couldn’t help himself. Just as his hand brushed over John’s cock, John stirred. Chris jumped back abruptly, moving out of reach as John rolled onto his side.

“Oh, fuck. What hit me?”

“A brick wall, from the way you’re acting.” Chris quipped.

John looked up. His bloodshot eyes focused on Chris. His normally bronzed complexion was very pale, and he looked like he was going to pass out again. John sat up slowly, raising a hand to his head.

“What happened? Where are we?”

“At my cabin. You passed out on the way.” Chris reached the bed and took hold of John’s hand as he started prodding his wound. “Don’t. I’ve just got it to stop bleeding.”

“It hurts.”

“All the more reason why you shouldn’t be prodding it.” Chris shot back. “You’ve more than likely got a concussion, so you’re going to need to rest.”

“Oh.”

John sounded rather faraway. The concussion was still taking a strong hold on him. Chris resisted the urge to kiss his head and stroke his hair. He wanted to see if it was as soft as he had often thought.

“Do you want some painkillers?”

“Yes.” John flinched as he tried to nod. “Please. And can I have a shower?”

“No problem. There’s plenty of hot water.” Chris cleared his throat. The thought of John naked was building his own arousal a little too much. “I’ll find some clothes you can wear until yours have dried off.”

“Okay.” John sighed heavily, closing his eyes. “I feel really sick.”

“As long as you don’t puke on my floor.” Chris grunted. He hurried toward the door. “I’ll get you some clothes. Put those in the hamper in the bathroom when you’re ready.”

He couldn’t get out the room fast enough. If he had stayed, Chris knew he would be helping John to get undressed. And getting naked as well.

Chapter Nine

John felt like he had been hit over the head with a sledgehammer. He hadn’t realized that he had passed out. His stomach was churning, and his head wanted to explode. And he couldn’t stop shivering.

Stumbling into the bathroom, John managed to get his clothes off with his freezing fingers. It wasn’t easy, and it was beginning to hurt. John contemplated calling for Chris to help him, but decided against it. Much as he wanted to have Chris’ hands on him, John was in no fit state for anything else. He just wanted to get warm and try to sleep.

The shower was divine. John stayed under the spray for a long time, feeling the warmth seeping into his bones. It felt like heaven. He washed himself with Chris’ mango shower gel, washing his hair twice, before shutting off the water and stepping out. It felt good to feel remotely human now.

Chris had come back in while John was in the bathroom. A clean set of clothes were laid on the bed and a glass of water with two white tablets were on the bedside cabinet. John swallowed the tablets, gulping the water down. Then he eyed the clothes. Should he put on Chris’ clothes, or should he put on the bathrobe John had seen hanging on the door? Wearing anything of Chris’ felt rather intimate.

Telling himself not to be so stupid, John dressed in the sweatpants. Light gray in color, they were a size too big and had Arizona State University printed all over them. John rolled up the legs and the sleeves before checking himself in the mirror. He looked like he had been in a fight, but now he didn’t look like a drowned rat.

Taking a deep breath, John headed through the cabin. It had been a while since he had been here. About fourteen months, to be exact. Chris had been feeling low, so John had offered to watch the Super Bowl with him at the cabin. They could act like teenagers with lots of booze and junk food, being single men.

It had been a blast. John had enjoyed himself. Until Chris took off his sweater after spilling one of his beers down his front and showed off the deliciously carved chest and toned abs that John hadn’t realized were there. John hadn’t been able to stop staring. Chris’ body was gorgeous, like an Adonis.

Then it was realized that the crush had been harboring for Chris for years hadn’t abated. If anything, it had got even stronger. John knew if Chris had given him any indication that he wanted more than friendship he would have jumped on him and ripped his pants off as well.

But that shouldn’t happen. Chris hadn’t been divorced for long, and he hadn’t invited John over for a simple fuck. They were friends, and John didn’t want to ruin that.

After that, he had begun to distance himself, unable to trust himself if they were in close quarters again. Much like now.

Chris had no idea what he was doing to him.

John found Chris in the lounge, sitting by the log fire. John loved the fire. He had never seen a log fire outside of movies before, and he could find himself sitting by the fire for hours staring into the flames. It was relaxing. Chris was reading a Robert Craig novel, his eyes intent behind his glasses. He looked up as John entered and sat up.

“Hey.” He took off his glasses and put them to one side. “How’s your head?”

“It’s a little better.” John rubbed his belly. “I’m not feeling as sick as I was. I think the shower helped.”

Chris nodded.

“That’s good. Do you want anything to eat?”

“No, thanks.” John looked out the window. Even with the insulation, he could hear the wind howling. Rain was pounding against the glass. “It’s looking worse out there.”

“We were lucky not to get caught out in that.” Chris said grimly. “But the forecast said it would ease off around dawn tomorrow. Once you’ve had some sleep, I’ll walk you back home.”

A night with Chris? In the same enclosed space? John swallowed. This was dangerous.

“Couldn’t you take me now?”

“You what?” Chris stared at him. “Are you insane? I’m not driving out there in that weather. We were lucky not to come off the road again. God only knows what it’s going to look like further down the hill. You need to rest and I’ll take you back in the morning.”

“Okay.”

John could see he wasn’t going to get around Chris, and he knew he was in no fit state to drive, not to mention that his car was wrecked. Somehow, he would have to keep his distance, even though John could feel the urge to reach out and run his hands through Chris’ hair. The man had shaved today. He looked good clean-shaven. Very good.

Chris frowned. He stood and walked over to John.

“What the hell’s the matter with you, John?” He demanded. “You’ve been off with me for a while.”

“I’ve just been in a car crash.”

“I mean before the car crash. In the past year, you’ve done everything but run away from me.” Chris put his hands on his hips. “What happened? What did I do to you?”

“I…” John gulped. “Nothing. You didn’t do anything.”

“Oh, really?” Chris snorted. “Because ever since the Super Bowl when you were here, you refuse to be alone with me. Even be in the same room. It’s like we’ve gone from friends to strangers within seconds. And you won’t tell me what I’ve done wrong. So I’m left trying to figure out what the fuck I’ve done to make you turn your back on me.”

John wanted to tell him. But nerves still kept him holding back. When things were uncertain, John preferred to keep quiet. Chris needed to take the lead on this.

“It’s...it’s a little complicated, Chris.”

“How is it complicated?” Chris snapped. “Has Violet said something to you and you’ve actually believed her?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I wouldn’t trust anything my sister said. You know I prefer to keep my distance from her.”

“Then what?”

He wasn’t going to let this lie. John knew he should have tried to figure out a way to leave. He took a deep breath.

“You made me uncomfortable. Is that enough?”

“Uncomfortable?” Chris blinked. “How do I make you uncomfortable?”

“You’re going to make me say it, aren’t you?”

“Yes. We were good friends, John, and I valued what we had. I want to know where I went wrong with you.”

“Fine.” John gestured at Chris’ sweater. “Take your top off.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“You heard me. Take your top off.”

Chris was still staring at him. Then he grasped at the hem of his sweater and pulled it off, taking his t-shirt with it. Muscles twitched and moved under his skin, practically rippling as Chris tossed his clothes aside, standing before John in just a pair of jeans. He looked even better than before. John licked his lips. Then he looked up at Chris, who was watching him with a heated expression.

“This is why I kept my distance.” John gestured at Chris’ body. “When you stripped off during the Super Bowl. I was...it...I…”

“It turned you on?”

John could feel his face getting warm. He nodded and looked down. That was when he saw Chris’ erection, a noticeable bulge in his jeans. He stared. Was he…?

“That was the reaction I was hoping for.”

John jerked up. Chris was still watching him with that heated look, one that seemed to deepen in intensity as John stared at him. Chris smirked.

“You...you intentionally spilled your drink so you could strip?”

“Of course. I was trying to tell you without using words what I wanted.” Chris’ smile faded and he shook his head. “But you reacted differently and then you wouldn’t come anywhere near me. I thought I’d blown it.”

He had been trying to seduce him. John couldn’t believe he had read it all wrong.

“Trust me, you didn’t blow it.” Getting bolder, he stepped closer to Chris. “Just seeing your naked chest made me want you.”

“Then why did you run away?”

“Because the intensity of how I wanted you freaked me out.” John flexed his hand and pressed it against Chris’ chest. He could feel Chris’ heartbeat under his palm, his muscles twitching and Chris sighed. “You’re my ex-brother-in-law, Chris. That’s kind of overstepping the line.”

Chris’ breathing seemed to be getting quicker. His hand covered John’s on his chest, pushing John’s hand lower. Then John’s fingers curled around Chris’ erection, Chris let out a sharp hiss as John gave him a firm squeeze.

“I wanted you that night.” Chris’ voice was tight. “And I want you now. I don’t care about anything else.”

John smiled. Then he gave Chris’ cock another firm squeeze.

“Neither do I.”

Chapter Ten

All this avoidance because he got too turned on. Chris had thought he had been rejected, and John was keeping his distance because he didn’t feel the same. But to avoid him because it was too much temptation? Chris hadn’t thought about that.

Now he had John close to him, touching his naked flesh, with lust in his eyes. His hand rubbed over Chris’ erection, sliding down to rub over Chris’ balls. He grinned as Chris thrust against his hand.

“Eager, aren’t you?”

“It’s been a year and then some.” Chris reached up and ran his hands through John’s hair. It really was as soft as he imagined. “Things are going to be more than a little eager in a moment.”

John’s grin widened. He was looking surer of himself than before. Bolder. It was an erotic sight.

“I can do eager.”

Chris groaned. Then he tugged John toward him, kissing him hard. John melted against him, his hand still rubbing Chris’ erection. He allowed Chris to take hold of him, nipping at his lower lip with his teeth. Chris felt the pinch and it shot down to his cock. He growled and sucked John’s tongue into his mouth. John whimpered, and then he was pushing Chris away.

Confused, Chris stepped back. But John didn’t move out of reach. His hands went to Chris’ waistband and undid his jeans. Then he was kneeling, tugging Chris’ jeans down with him. Chris hadn’t put any boxers on, and from John’s expression he liked the idea that Chris didn’t wear underwear.

Chris stepped out of his jeans, John tossing them aside. Then John looked up at him, smiling as he wrapped a hand around Chris’ cock. Chris gasped, involuntarily thrusting into John’s hand.

“You really are eager.”

“Can you blame me?”

John licked his lips. Then he licked at the tip of Chris’ cock.

“I’m going to get you even more eager. Hot and wet for me.”

Chris groaned.

“I like the sound of that.”

He closed his eyes as John’s mouth sucked his cock into his mouth, swirling his tongue around Chris’ shaft. That mouth of his was as hot and tight as Chris had imagined. And that tongue...it was sending shivers of pleasure up Chris’ spine.

John moaned, the sound vibrating along the skin of Chris’ shaft. He took more of Chris’ cock into his mouth, his lips almost touching the base on each stroke. His hands cupped Chris’ hips, and then his backside, his nails digging into his buttocks. Chris felt a slight pinch from the nails, but pleasure overtook and he allowed John to guide his hips, thrusting slowly into John’s mouth.

If Chris had known that John was pure fire once he got going, he would have persisted with trying to seduce him. Now he was on an even playing field, John was something else. It was a turn-on.

He didn’t want it to stop.

Then John pulled away, giving Chris’ cock one last lick before rising to his feet. He kissed Chris, tugging Chris close. It was then Chris remembered that John was still dressed and he was completely naked. He slid his hands under John’s sweater, feeling the compact muscles shift under his touch.

“You taste amazing, Chris.” John smiled against his mouth. “If I’d known it was going to be like this, I would have made a move years ago.”

“You shouldn’t have pushed me away last year.” Chris grasped onto the sweater and started to tug it up. “I would have made you realize this would be mind-blowing.”

“Mind-blowing?” John smirked. “Are we going there?”

“Definitely.”

Chris managed to get the sweater off, tossing it aside as John grabbed his head and kissed him again.

“I wasn’t talking about last year.” John backed away, his hands going to the waistband of his pants. “I mean before then. A long way before then.”

“How far back?”

Chris couldn’t take his eyes off John as the other man shoved his pants down, kicking them aside. Now he stood before Chris, his cock thick and proud in a nest of dark hair at his groin. His tan went all over, never leaving anything out.

Chris licked his lips as John started stroking his cock.

“How far? About twenty years.”

“Since we met?”

“Pretty much.”

Chris groaned. He had had no idea. If John had made a move back then, maybe he wouldn’t have the problem of warding off an ex-wife.

John’s sister. He wouldn’t have married John’s sister if John had made it known he wanted Chris.

“Well, you’ve certainly got my full attention.”

“I can tell.” John crooked a finger at him. “Come here. This has been a long time coming.”

Chris wasn’t about to argue. But he wanted something else. Somewhere a little more romantic than the lounge floor or the couch. He beckoned John to follow him.

“Come with me. I’ve got a better idea.”

John fell into step behind him as they went toward Chris’ bedroom. They were barely in the doorway before John was pressed up against Chris’ back, kissing his shoulder as he stroked Chris’ cock, his own cock rubbing against Chris’ back. Chris sighed and his head fell back.

“If you go on like that, I’m not going to last much longer.”

“Maybe I don’t want you to keep control.” John scraped his teeth against Chris’ shoulder. “Maybe I want to see you fall apart.”

Chris shuddered. Then he grabbed John’s wrist and spun him around, nudging him toward the bed.

“Oh, that’s happening.” He said as he tipped John onto the bed, sliding his tongue over John’s collarbone. “But when I fall apart, I want to be inside you. I want to feel you cum around me as I fuck your ass.”

John was panting. He started shuffling up the bed.

“Do it.”

“One moment.”

Chris went to the bedside cabinet and opened the top drawer. He took out the bottle of lube that he had bought the year before but never opened, tearing open the wrapping with his teeth. Then he saw that John was still watching him, stroking his cock.

“Face the headboard.” Chris ordered. “On your hands and knees.”

John grinned.

“Now that’s the man I know.”

“Did I say you could talk?”

John laughed and rolled onto his belly, rising up onto his hands and knees and spreading his legs apart. Chris’ hands were shaking as he squirted a generous amount of lube onto his hand, rubbing it all over his cock. Then he tossed the bottle aside and clambered onto the bed, crowding John from behind. He kissed John’s back, licking over his spine as he inserted a slick finger into John’s ass. John’s ass muscles tightened around his finger and John moaned, pushing back against his hand. Chris sighed.

“God, you feel tight.”

“It’s been a while.” John panted. He was beginning to push back and forth on Chris’ finger. “I can take more.”

“Can you?”

“Yes. Just fuck me, Chris.”

Chris wasn’t about to argue with that. He eased his finger out and grasped hold of his cock. His hand was shaking. John moaned as Chris pressed the head of his cock against his anus, arching his back. Chris had to take a moment to calm down. At this rate, he was going to cum before he even entered his ass.

Then he pressed in slowly. His cock passed the entrance, and then Chris slid in easily, right up to the hilt. His hips pressed against John’s backside. John let out a louder moan, and his muscles twitched and tightened around Chris’ cock. It made Chris’ head spin.

It wasn’t going to take much.

Chris had planned to take it easy - John had said it had been a while, and he didn’t want to hurt him - but John seemed to have other ideas. He was pushing back against Chris, fucking himself on Chris’ cock. Chris gripped John’s hips, trying to make him stop. But he found himself urging John on. Then he was meeting John’s thrusts with his own.

This was pure, animalistic fucking. John trembled, his hands clutching at the duvet. Chris picked up the pace and tightened his hold on John’s hips, holding him still. His hips slapped against John’s backside, and Chris could feel John’s ass clenching him even more.

Then he saw John had reached underneath him. He was stroking himself, propped up on one elbow and his arm moving fast as he kept up with Chris’ strokes.

Chris eased back on his haunches and urged John to sit up, sitting on his lap. Then he nudged John into moving.

“Fuck my cock, John.” He growled. “I want to feel you cum around my cock.” He reached around and knocked John’s hand aside, grasping John’s cock with his own hand. “Fuck my cock, fuck my hand. Cum for me.”

John was shuddering as he bounced on Chris’ cock, his shaft twitching in Chris’ hand. Then he let out a low, loud moan as he came. Chris felt his release splash across his hand and pulled back, gripping John’s hips and urging him to rise up, putting him into a half-sitting position.

Then he pounded John’s ass. John shouted, his ass tightening so much Chris felt dizzy. That sped up his own climax, and he came with a shout, filling John’s ass with his release.

Both of them were panting as Chris eased John onto the bed, sprawling over him. They lay on the bed, limbs entwined and both sweating. Chris felt like he had been running a marathon. He could barely move.

“Wow.” John whispered. He rolled slowly onto his side, smiling at Chris. “Wow.”

“I’ll second that.” Chris ran his hand up John’s side. “You still want to go back?”

John laughed and leaned over, brushing his lips across Chris’.

“Not a chance.”

Chapter Eleven

For the first time in a long time, Chris slept like a baby. It had been a while - about two years - since he had slept in bed with someone else, and even longer than that since he had been entwined in someone’s arms. John kept one body part on him throughout the night, whether it was a hand on Chris’ back, a leg wrapped over his thigh or his chest pressed against Chris’ back. It was like John was trying to stake his claim.

Chris had no objection to that.

He woke up just before dawn and saw that it was bright and sunny. No sign of a storm at all, except for the mud all over the carport. Chris then remembered John’s car was still up on the road somewhere. Someone would have come across it by now. He made a mental note to contact a friend of his at the garage to get the car down the hill and have it mended. That would be one less thing to worry about for John.

It took John a little more time to wake up, still looking dozy. Chris felt a pang of regret. They had been up half the night talking and fucking - mostly fucking - and he had forgotten about John’s concussion. He was one of the worst nurses to have John rolling around when he should have been resting.

Then again, John hadn’t been complaining.

He was silent, however. Chris could tell he was in his own thoughts and kept quiet, allowing John to go through his morning ritual of showering and dressing, his clothes now dry and ready to be worn again. John didn’t eat anything again, and he was silent still as he got into Chris’ Jeep. Chris glanced at him as they headed down the hill and into the city.

“John?”

“Huh?”

“You’re very quiet. Is something wrong?”

“Oh, I’m okay.” John rubbed his head. “I’ve still got a headache. I feel like I’ve got a hangover.”

Chris winced.

“Maybe we shouldn’t have…” he began, but John cut him off abruptly.

“Don’t you dare say we shouldn’t have got into bed together last night.”

“You had a concussion. You might be thinking I took advantage of you in a vulnerable state.”

John stared at him. Then he threw back his head and laughed.

“Chris, you fucking idiot.”

“What?”

“I would never have thought that of you. Besides, I seem to remember I was the one who started it all.”

“Yes, you are.” Chris managed a slight smile. “I was just getting concerned at why you were so quiet. You’ve barely said a word since you woke up.”

“Like I said, I feel like I have a hangover.” John made a face. “I’m not really a morning person. I have to be up about two hours before I want to talk to someone.”

“I’ll remember that.” Chris paused. “But no regrets about what we did?”

“Of course not. And don’t think this is a one-off. One-night stands aren’t my thing.”

Chris felt his heartbeat picking up. He wanted more. That felt like a fantasy coming true. He had wondered what something with John would be like, be it a one-off or more long-term. Then he had discarded it, telling himself that John didn’t find him attractive.

That had been far from the truth.

“You want more from me?” Chris asked.

“Don’t you want more of me?”

Chris didn’t need to think about that.

“Definitely,” he hissed as he felt John’s hand on his leg. “Careful, John. I can’t multitask that well.”

“Just testing.” John laughed and sat back. His eyes were twinkling. “It’s an arrestable offence to be committing sex acts behind the wheel of a moving car.”

“Been there and done that, have you?”

John winked.

“Not for a while.”

Chris groaned. Now he had got over his nerves, John was certainly more confident. He was as relaxed as he had been before, back to the old John Chris remembered. And then some. John was softer somehow, more affectionate. Chris liked it.

He had been a fool to let it go on this long.

Finally, they pulled up outside John’s house. Walrider was coming along the sidewalk with John’s neighbor. He began tugging at the leash when he saw his master, barking loudly.

“I think someone’s pleased to see you.” Chris laughed.

“I’m not surprised. I’ve been away longer than I promised.” John pressed his hands to his head. “I think I’ll call in sick. There’s no way I’m going to be able to concentrate with my head like this.”

“Trust me, a concussion is not advisable at work.” Chris winced as Walrider’s bark got louder. “Maybe you should find the mute button on Walrider. He’s not going to be good for your head.”

“Walrider’s good when he needs to be. He’s a good nurse.”

“I don’t doubt it.” Chris paused. “Listen, I’ve got the evening off tomorrow night. Wanna go for a drink? We can discuss things then.”

John grinned.

“As long as it’s good things we discuss, I’m up for it.” He leaned over and kissed Chris. “See you tomorrow. Let me know where we’re going.”

“Will do. Take care.”

Chris watched as John got out and walked around the Jeep. He greeted Walrider warmly, the dog bouncing up at him excitedly, and then he hugged his neighbor. The young woman looked concerned as she inspected his head, but John waved her away. He gave Chris a wave before he and the woman walked toward the house, Walrider jumping around them as he tried to get his master’s attention.

Chris turned his Jeep around and headed back to his cabin. He was off tonight, not tomorrow, but he was sure he could swap a shift with someone. Then he could be free to go out for a drink with John and discuss their relationship in more detail.

He was in no doubt about what he wanted. He wanted John. The man had been hiding a fiery side that Chris found addictive. He didn’t want to lose that anytime soon. Hopefully, John felt the same.

From the way he had been during the night, the sentiment was certainly mutual.

Chris’ mood deteriorated when he turned into his carport and saw a familiar snazzy car with the top down in his usual parking spot. It looked very much out of place in the middle of the countryside.

What did she want now? Couldn’t she take a hint? Violet was a stubborn woman, and it was beginning to wear on Chris’ patience. He wished she would just leave him alone.

He wondered what Violet would say when she found out he was now sleeping with her brother. It wouldn’t go down well. Then again, it wasn’t any of her business.

He parked up beside Violet’s car and got out. Violet was pacing around on the porch, looking at her phone with a bored expression. She looked up as Chris approached and scowled at him.

“Where have you been? Open the door, it’s muddy out here.”

Chris sighed. He climbed onto the porch and stood there, folding his arms. There was no way he was letting her inside. She wouldn’t leave, and then Chris would have to call the police to remove her. Too much of a hassle.

“If you didn’t like the mud, you shouldn’t have come out here.”

“Well, you should be letting me in.” Violet shot back. “Or you should’ve been home. I know you weren’t at work last night, so where the hell were you?”

“I thought we went over this before, Violet. I’m not your husband anymore. I don’t need to tell you where I’ve been.”

“You do when I need to talk to you.”

Chris rolled his eyes.

“Talk to me? Or try to get back into my bed? Come off it, Violet, that hasn’t worked for the last two years. Don’t you get tired of doing the same thing over and over?”

Violet pouted. Then she put her phone away and sauntered over, rubbing her hands over Chris’ chest.

“Don’t be like that, Chris,” she simpered, flexing her fingers on his pecs. “I just wanted to talk.”

“No, you didn’t.” Chris grasped her wrists and set her away from him. “And I would appreciate it if you didn’t touch me.”

Violet snorted. She pulled her hands away, planting them on her hips.

“Come off it. It’s not as if you’ve got someone more worthwhile on the go. You haven’t dated since the divorce.”

“Only because you keep interfering.” Chris smirked. “And who says I’m not dating?”

Violet’s smugness faltered. Her mouth fell open.

“What? Who is she?”

“Who said it was a woman?”

Chris found it difficult to fight back the laughter as Violet’s eyes went as wide as saucers and she looked like she was going to keel over. She spluttered.

“What? You…?”

“Oh, grow up, Violet. You know I’m bisexual. I was dating a guy when we met. And you’ve slept with women during our marriage, so why should my bed partners be any different?” Chris knew he shouldn’t find it satisfying to see Violet pale, but he did. “I’m dating someone who’s a damned sight better than you, and you are not going to screw it up. You try, and I’ll make sure you regret it.”

Violet was shaking. Her mouth closed and her eyes narrowed.

“Are you threatening me?”

“Yes, I am. Call it a taste of your own medicine.” Chris turned away, fishing out his keys and unlocking the door. “Now, fuck off.”

He got through the door and shut it again before Violet could follow him, locking it and putting the deadbolt on as a second thought.

Chapter Twelve

John laughed as Chris picked up his wine glass and took a sip, smacking his lips. He had an urge to lick the taste of the wine off Chris’ mouth.

“I didn’t think you’d be a wine drinker, Chris.”

“Why not?”

“It just doesn’t seem to be you.”

Chris arched an eyebrow and swirled the wine in the glass.

“I like to surprise. And wine tastes sweeter to me.”

“More than beer?”

“Definitely.”

John grinned, taking a swig from his beer bottle. He had been looking forward to this since he and Chris parted ways the day before. Not seeing him had made John antsy, constantly looking at his watch and counting down the seconds before he saw Chris again.

It felt like a dream. But it was very much real. John had tasted Chris, made love to him, held him. It was real, and Chris wasn’t pushing him away. John hadn’t realized Chris was a passionate man.

Violet really had been throwing a special person away. And Chris definitely looked fine in a black shirt open at the neck and dark gray pants. He looked relaxed, the tension gone from his eyes. Some younger women from a nearby table kept looking over at him, giving him interested looks. But other than nodding a greeting at them, Chris had ignored the giggles and the saucy smiles. His attention was on John.

John liked that.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

“Hmm?”

Chris tapped the side of his head.

“You went off into your own world there, John. What’s going on?”

“Not much.”

“Is your head still hurting?” Chris started to frown. “Maybe drinking when your still not well…”

“My head’s not hurting anymore. I’m perfectly fine.” John took another gulp of his drink. “I was just thinking that this feels strange.”

“Strange?”

“You and me. I mean,” John went on quickly as Chris’ frown turned to confusion, “We’ve danced around each other for a long time. I never thought we’d actually...well, hook up.”

Chris grunted.

“This is more than a hook-up.”

“You know what I mean,” John sighed and shook his head. “I’m not making this sound good, am I?”

“I know exactly what you mean, and I do agree.” Chris’ mouth twitched in a small smile. “If you’d shown any indication that you wanted me as much as I wanted you, this would have happened a lot sooner.”

“And I would have jumped you when you started stripping while watching the Super Bowl.” John laughed. “Do you know I hate football?”

“So do I, but I couldn’t wait for the baseball season to start.”

“You didn’t need to find an excuse. You knew I was gay.”

“But I had no idea if you would consider me as someone you would want to go to bed with.” Chris shrugged. “Let’s face it, you’re not exactly confident in showing what you want. Once the ground rules are laid down and you know where you stand, it’s a different matter. I was trying to put the ground rules down.”

“And I ended up practically running away.” John chuckled. “Even when it’s obvious, I am blind.”

“No comment.”

“Hey!”

Chris laughed, and then he winced as John kicked his shin. He rubbed his leg and glared at John, mirth glinting in his eyes.

“You’re going to pay for that, John.”

“Am I?” John sat forward. “And how are you going to do that?”

Chris grinned and cupped John’s jaw, running his hand over his cheek.

“I’ll think of something,” he whispered before he brushed a kiss across John’s lips.

John wanted to drag the man across and kiss him harder, but they weren’t exactly in a private place. He drew back, and then caught the eye of one of the women at the table close by. She was staring at them with wide eyes. Then she blushed bright red and turned away quickly.

John sat up.

“Do you think people will be okay with what we’ve got?” he asked.

“Why should we be concerned with anyone else? It’s not their business.”

“I mean, you were married to my sister.”

Chris snorted and waved away John’s concerns.

“Let people think what they want. And don’t worry about what Violet’s going to think.”

“I didn’t say anything about her.”

“I could hear you thinking it.” Chris shook his head. “John, Violet is my ex, nothing more. I want nothing to do with her. She’s not important.”

John found himself relaxing. Even though he hadn’t been too concerned about what his sister would say, hearing that from Chris made him feel better. Once Violet found out what was going on, she would certainly try to ruin it between them. She was very good at doing that, but John wasn’t about to be broken by Violet.

Chris had been stroking his hand along John’s thigh, brushing up the inside and getting closer to his groin. John could feel his cock waking up, pressing painfully against his zipper. Chris wouldn’t be so brazen as to fondle him in public, would he? John wasn’t an exhibitionist, but the thought of doing anything beyond kissing where there was a chance of being caught or someone watching them was more exciting than he expected.

“I see someone’s eager again.” Chris grinned. He put his glass on the table. “Fancy getting out of here?”

His pupils had dilated, and his expression was hungry. John put his bottle aside and took Chris’ hand as he stood.

“My place is closer.”

Chapter Thirteen

Chris didn’t want to wait until he got to John’s place. He had spent the last thirty-six hours aching to touch John, to taste him again. To see if that ass of his was as tight as before. Now John was practically in his arms again, Chris wasn’t about to wait another fifteen minutes.

He followed John out to the parking lot. But then he tugged John sharply to the left, pulling him into an alley. There, Chris pressed John up against a wall as he sought John’s mouth, urging John’s lips apart so his tongue could dive in and twist around John’s. John moaned and clutched at Chris’ shoulders.

“Whoa, ease up.” John managed to break away with a breathless pant, but he didn’t push Chris away. “I thought we were going to wait.”

“I can’t wait.” Chris pressed his erection against John’s pelvis, groaning as he felt John’s cock twitching. He rolled his hips, which had John groaning. “I want a bit of you now.”

“Out here?”

“Why not?”

John was still panting, his arms tightening around Chris’ shoulders, as Chris started kissing down his neck, nipping at his skin with his teeth.

“You’re seriously considering fucking in an alley?”

“Not all-out.” Chris unsnapped John’s jeans and tugged the zipper down. His hand slid underneath and he grasped John’s cock with a groan. “Just a little taste to make you want more.”

“I always want more.” John thrust his hips into Chris’ hand, his cock twitching and hardening even more. “You didn’t need to tease me here.”

“Maybe I want to.”

Chris stroked John’s cock as he tugged John’s head back, kissing him hard. John tasted delicious, just as before. Chris had no idea how he had managed to keep his hands off John for so long; the man was addictive.

“Chris.”

John was pressing on his shoulders. Chris stilled. This wasn’t a passionate embrace, and John certainly didn’t sound aroused. He sounded worried. He lifted his head.

“What is it?”

“We’re being watched.”

Chris snorted and lowered his head.

“Let them watch.”

“No, really.” John ducked his head away. “I think I saw a knife.”

Then Chris heard some sniggering. He pulled away and turned, keeping John behind him. As John adjusted himself and his clothing, Chris’ eyes adjusted to the darkness. He could see three people in the shadows, hovering by the dumpster. Then Chris saw a flash of a blade.

“That is just disgusting.” A female voice sneered.

Why did that sound familiar? Then another voice, this one male and barely broken, spoke.

“No wonder he came to his rescue. They’re fucking each other.”

They wandered out into the moonlight, and Chris recognized them. It was the three kids who had tried to mug John before in the company parking lot. They didn’t have their hoods up, revealing their acne-covered faces and greasy hair. The girl couldn’t have been any older than sixteen, the boys even younger and looked as though their balls hadn’t dropped. Chris could smell the stench of marijuana across the alley.

“Get lost,” he snapped. “Haven’t you three got a curfew?”

“Curfews are for wimps,” the girl said. She came forward, waving the knife in Chris’ face. “We’re not going to take no for an answer. Give us your wallets and maybe we won’t cut you so badly.”

Chris sighed. He wasn’t in the mood for a few teenagers looking for a thrill.

“No, you won’t. And don’t make me hurt a girl.”

The boys laughed. That laugh was far too high. The girl smirked and shook her head.

“You wouldn’t hurt me. I’ll cry rape if you do touch me.”

“Nice try, little lady.” He snatched the knife out of the girl’s hand, flicking the blade back into the handle. “Get lost. You’re way in over your head.”

The girl’s mouth fell opened. Her eyes widened as she realized what had happened. Then one of the boys let out a yell that could have resembled a battle cry and charged past her. Chris stepped to the side and let the knife go past him. He grabbed the kid’s wrist and twisted. The kid yelled and hit the ground with his knees hard enough for something to crack. Chris flicked the knife from the boy’s fingers and held it out behind him.

“Take it, John. We can’t have these kiddies hurting themselves, can we?”

He felt the knife leaving his hand, and Chris hauled the boy to his feet. Then he took out his cell phone, holding it up to the kid’s face.

“I don’t hurt children,” he said as he snapped a picture, the light flashing in the boy’s eyes. “But I am sorely tempted.” He took one of the girl, who whined at the bright light. “Go home, the lot of you. And these,” he carried on as he took the final picture of the third teenager, who had been hovering in the background, “are going to the police. I’m sure your parents would love to know what you do with your evenings.”

“They wouldn’t believe you,” the girl sneered.

“You want to try it and see?” Chris pushed the boy away, the kid careering into his friend. “Now fuck off. I think your teddy bears are missing their bed partners.”

The kids hesitated. The girl, especially, looked as though she wanted to attack him again. But the third kid, the one who had kept out of the way, started tugging his friends toward the exit. His friends allowed him to pull them away, giving Chris large scowls as they went past.

Chris watched them go. Children never seemed to learn, especially when they thought crime was fun.

“Chris?”

Chris felt someone touch his back. He turned. John was frowning at him. Chris managed a smile.

“I’m okay.”

“You’re bleeding.”

“Huh?”

John took Chris’ hand. Then Chris realized there was blood on his palm. He hadn’t realized one of the knives had cut him, slicing open the side of his hand. As John inspected the wound, Chris began to feel the pain. His hand felt like it was on fire.

“That’s going to need to be cleaned up.” John looked up. “I have a first-aid kit at the house.”

“No hospital?”

“It’s not bad enough for that.” John shook his head. “You’re an idiot, Chris.”

“What? They were just a bunch of kids.”

“With knives. And you got stabbed.”

“I didn’t get stabbed.” Chris grumbled. “I just mistimed grabbing it.”

“Same difference.” John sighed and tugged Chris by the wrist. “Come on, let’s get to my car. I’ll clean it up.”

Chris smirked.

“Are you going to get a nurse’s outfit on?”

“That’s not funny, Chris. Get moving.”

Chris sighed. It was worth a try. Even with the attempted mugging, arousal was still burning in his veins. It was going to be a while for it to ease off, and it wouldn’t help with John’s long fingers tending to his wounds.

Maybe he should have pretended he got kicked somewhere sensitive. Then Chris could get John to kiss it better.

Chapter Fourteen

What had he been thinking? John knew Chris would be one to stop a fight rather than start one, but even he should have realized what he was doing was idiotic. Facing three people with knives, even if he did outweigh all of them when they were soaking wet, was just asking for trouble.

John wished he had been able to do something. But he had simply frozen. And that felt like an embarrassment. Freezing in front of teens? They shouldn’t have been a threat at all. But Chris had sent them off with their tails between their legs.

Now John needed to tend to Chris’ wounds. The cut didn’t look deep, and John hoped they didn’t need to take him to hospital for stitches. Not that Chris would go; he was one of those people who hated hospitals. He preferred to treat things himself.

He was the most stubborn person John had ever come across.

John drove them back to his home in silence. Chris followed him up the path and they were greeted by Walrider, who trotted up to them and jumped up with a welcoming bark.

“Down, boy.” John scratched his dog’s head. “Chris is hurt. Don’t go jumping on him.”

Walrider yipped and trotted by Chris’ side as they headed into the kitchen. John waved a hand at the stools around the center counter.

“Take a seat. It shouldn’t take long to sort that out.”

“It’s only a graze,” Chris complained. “You don’t need to do anything.”

“Only a graze?” John snorted. “You’ve got more than a layer of epidermis off your hand. Now, sit down and shut up.”

“Yes, sir.” Chris hopped onto one of the stools. “Damn, you’re bossy when you want to be.”

“Because you’re so damn pig-headed.” John opened the cupboard under the sink and retrieved the first-aid kit. “I have to be bossy for you just to listen to me.”

“You weren’t bossy the other night.”

“That’s because you don’t need any persuasion.” John put the first-aid kit beside Chris and opened it. “You’re led by a brain, certainly, when you’re in bed.”

“Ouch.”

“If it gets through to you, it needs to be painful And speaking of painful,” John brought out some wipes and opened the packet. “Let’s start cleaning that up. God only knows what that blade has been in.”

Chris grumbled under his breath, but he didn’t fight as John took his hand and started to clean the stray blood. He initially flinched, but then he relaxed as John tended to him. John could feel his eyes on him, and he kept his head down, concentrating on his task. The cut wasn’t as deep as he expected, and it wouldn’t need stitches. It was going to sting like hell, though.

“Okay, that’s done.” John selected some gauze and a roll of bandages. “I’ll just wrap that up and you’re good to go.”

“No stitches?”

“Only if you end up being a fucking idiot with it.”

Chris grunted.

“Good thing I’m left-handed, then.”

He fell into silence as John started to bandage his hand. John tied off the bandage and looked up. Chris was watching him, his expression intense. Then he slid his good hand around John’s neck and kissed him, resting his forehead against John’s as he let out a shuddering sigh.

“I have to admit that did scare me,” he rasped. “Even after what I’ve faced, standing up to a few stoned children shouldn’t have been a problem.”

“Why was it a problem?” John asked.

“Because you were there.” Chris’ hand tightened on John’s neck. “If it was just me, it wouldn’t have done much to me. But I had to look after you.”

Even though it made John feel like a weak man, he smiled.

“I can look after myself, Chris. You needn’t have worried.”

“It’s easier said than done to stop worrying.”

“I know.” John stroked Chris’ cheek. “You know, I thought you were going to hit that girl.”

Chris snorted.

“I was raised properly. I wouldn’t raise my hand to a woman or a girl, even if they are wielding a knife and wanting to gut me.”

“No exceptions?”

“No.” Chris’ mouth twitched. “Not even with Violet, even though she’s the most irritating woman I’ve ever met.”

John didn’t reply. He was tempted to give his sister a smack at times, but Violet loved being in charge. That would end up with Violet having a field day if she was hit. John wasn’t about to go down that road.

“You okay, John?” Chris nudged John with his nose. “You wandered off there.”

“Just for a moment.” John’s head was starting to hurt. Maybe his concussion really hadn’t gone away. He eased back. “Do you mind if we take a rain-check on tonight? I’m not in much of a mood to fool around after what happened.”

Chris frowned. Disappointment flashed in his eyes, his mouth turning down. But he nodded and slowly moved back.

“Sure. I understand.” He slid off the stool, petting Walrider as the dog rose to his feet. The pooch had been sitting by the stool almost like a guard dog, watching everything in silence. “Sorry, buddy, I’m off now. I’ll see you again shortly.”

“I didn’t say I wanted you to go, though,” John said hurriedly, jumping to his feet and almost standing on Walrider’s tail. He stumbled over Walrider and nearly careered into Chris. “Dammit!”

Chris laughed and his arms went around John, shifting him back onto his feet.

“That dog will be the death of you, I’m sure.”

“Always there when you don’t want him,” John grumbled. He ran his hands through Chris’ hair. “You can stay, Chris. I may not be in the mood, but I didn’t say you had to leave.”

Chris sighed.

“John, if I stay, I won’t be able to keep my hands off you. Now I’ve had a taste of you, I won’t be able to stop myself going back for more.” He took John’s hands and eased them away. “It would be safer for both of us if I went back home.”

He was right. But John wished he wasn’t. He would be missing Chris before Chris had even left the house.

“I wish you didn’t have to,” he huffed.

“Oh?” Chris smirked. “Needy now, are we?”

“I’m not needy.” John scowled. He looked away, aware his face was getting warm. His cheeks had to be going red. “I feel like you’re going to disappear if you walk out the door.”

Chris was silent. Then he let out a laugh that had Walrider jumping and barking loudly. Chris slid his arms around John and drew him close, pressing a kiss to his head.

“You are a crazy bastard.” Chris’ voice was gentle, affectionate. “As if I’m going to disappear. You won’t be able to get rid of me now.”

“I hope not.”

Then John realized he had said that out loud. Before he could say anything more, Chris kissed him soundly, silencing his protests. When he lifted his head, Chris was smiling.

“That’s the nicest thing anyone’s said about me.” He kissed John’s forehead. “Are you going to work tomorrow?”

“Yes. I only asked for two days off, anyway. That’s as much as I can get away with.”

“I’ll see you at work tomorrow, then.” Chris’ eyes glinted. “Come into my office for a few minutes. I might have a little something for you.”

John groaned. He didn’t need to guess what Chris might have for him.

“We’ll get caught if you let me have that little something at work.”

“Do you care?”

John stared at him. Then he realized he didn’t really care at all. The thought of being caught was more thrilling than he cared to admit.

He gulped and stepped away, resisting the urge to take hold of Chris again. He might not have let go this time.

“You’d better head home now.”

“Okay.” Chris’ expression softened. “Night, John. Want to walk me out, Walrider?”

Walrider yipped and led the way out of the kitchen. John slumped onto the stool and listened to the front door opening, Chris’ farewell to Walrider, and the door closing again. A moment later, Walrider came trotting back into the kitchen. He sat beside John’s stool and nudged John’s hand with his nose. John stroked his head.

“I’m getting in too deep for myself, aren’t I, boy?”

Chapter Fifteen

Even after saying he wasn’t in the mood for sex, John found himself in a state of intense arousal as he tried to get to sleep. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Chris there. Chris, with his smile and that delicious kiss of his, his hands trailing over John’s body. John’s cock just wouldn’t let the images go.

It was well after one in the morning by the time John managed to get any sort of sleep. Even then, Chris seemed to invade his dreams, bothering him when he wanted to be left alone. By the time John’s alarm went off for his morning routine before work, John had only had about four hours sleep.

He was going to be falling asleep at his desk at this rate. Maybe having Chris over and being fucked into an orgasm that knocked him out had been the better option.

Grumbling over his frustration, John showered, shaved and brushed his teeth. Walrider jumped around his feet, yipping and nudging John’s thigh with his nose.

“Okay, boy, hang on,” John grumbled as he stumbled into the bedroom. “Just let me put some clothes on and then you can do your business. I don’t want to scare the neighbors.”

Walrider barked and went to sit by the bedroom door, giving John a pointed look. The animal was more needy than a child. John couldn’t begin to think how his parents had coped with both him and Violet as kids. Anyone who had children deserved medals.

He was getting dressed when there was a loud banging at the door. There was barely a pause before it started again. Then the doorbell was sounding, making John’s ears ring.

Groaning, he finished zipping up his pants and padded barefoot through the house. He was pushing it as it was. This visitor was going to make him late. John hated being late.

As they neared the door, Walrider slowed. He began to growl. John paused. His dog’s instincts were very good, and John trusted them. Someone unsavory was outside.

Then John heard a familiar voice screaming from behind the door.

“Open the door, John! I know you’re awake!”

Violet. John groaned. What was she doing here? Couldn’t she just leave him alone? John debated about ignoring her and getting on with his business, but Violet was not one to be ignored. And the neighbors would be complaining. The last time John ignored Violet, she had kicked up such a fuss that the police had been called. And Violet still tried to pin it on John.

John didn’t have time to deal with his sister’s dramatics. And he didn’t want anyone else to deal with it at this time of the morning. Sighing, he went to the front door and unlocked it. Violet pushed her way in before John fully got the door open, stomping on his foot as she passed.

“You fucking bastard!”

“Well.” John hopped on one foot as his injured foot throbbed. “Good morning to you too, Violet. I hope you’re having a pleasant morning, what little there is.”

Violet snorted.

“Spare me the pleasantries, John.” Her eyes were flashing in anger. “I know about you and Chris.”

“What are you talking about?”

“He said to me yesterday that he was dating again. Wouldn’t tell me who, though.”

She was angry about that? John sighed and closed the door. He didn’t need the neighbors listening in.

“And what’s that got to go with me?”

“I know it’s you he’s talking about.” Violet hissed.

“And why should you be concerned about anything? Good for Chris if he is dating again. It’s about time,” John snorted. “God only knows how many boyfriends you’ve had since the divorce. Or during the marriage.”

Violet looked ready to fly at him in a rage. John could never truly understand his sister. She and Chris were not together anymore, and so Violet shouldn’t have needed to be angry at Chris’ relationship status. She hadn’t been concerned about Chris’ feelings over her extra-marital affairs, so why should she care about now?

The woman wanted to be in control over everything, and that included the man she had once been married to.

“John, what the fuck do you think you’re doing?” Violet demanded. “He’s my husband!”

“Ex-husband,” John corrected. “You seem to keep forgetting that it’s been two years since the two of you ceased to be husband and wife. Chris doesn’t belong to you anymore.”

Violet lifted her chin defiantly. Her lips were pursed.

“I had prior claim over Chris.”

“Because you married him?” John drawled. He hooked his thumbs into his belt loops. “I’m sure Chris will love that when he hears that. It’s none of your business if we’re seeing each other, Violet, nor is it anyone else’s.”

“Oh, really?” Violet sneered. “You think it’s none of my business?”

“No, it isn’t.” John couldn’t believe he was even having this conversation. He glanced at his watch. He really was going to be late if this carried on. “Look, I’ve got to finish getting ready. Just leave Chris alone. He wants nothing to do with you.”

Violet was seething. John would have found it amusing had he not been focused on leaving for work. He loved to goad his sister - she was quick to rise into a temper - but this was beginning to be ridiculous. She was having a fit over something that didn’t concern her anymore. If Chris was still married to her, John would understand. But they hadn’t been together for a long time. Violet seemed to forget that she needed to let go.

“I still love him, John,” Violet snapped. “And I will not let him go.”

“Did you love him when you were fucking other people?” John shot back. He watched as Violet’s face paled. “Clearly you didn’t, or you wouldn’t have cheated on him. You simply love the thought of a man wanting you, being under your control. And you keep trying to get Chris back because he refuses to let you have control over him.”

They glared at each other. John wasn’t about to back down, not in his own house. Violet looked as though she was going to fly at him. She had barely changed since they were children. Violet was never content with life, even when everything was given to her on a platter. Chris had given her a chance to settle down, and she had thrown it away.

The only person Violet should be blaming for the breakdown of her marriage was herself.

“I preferred you when you were meek,” Violet grumbled.

John smirked.

“Chris has given me that confidence that I needed. He’s certainly good for people. You would’ve realized that if you weren’t sleeping around with other men and women.”

“A girl has needs, John, much like any guy.”

“And if a girl has needs, she should be going to her husband, not other people.” John looked at his watch again. “Look, Violet, just get out. I’m late now and I haven’t even finished getting dressed.”

“I’m not leaving until…”

Violet shrieked when Walrider started growling. He hadn’t moved since John had made him stay put, but he was staring at Violet as he growled, looking ready to pounce on her. Violet backed away from him.

“Keep that mutt away from me,” she said in a shrill voice. “I don’t want it coming anywhere near me.”

“If you don’t want him near you, you should be leaving. Simple as that.” John opened the door, stepping to the side. “And don’t bother Chris. It’s up to him who he wants to be in a relationship with, not you.”

“Oh, it is up to me.” Violet glowered at him. “I’ll make sure of it.”

It was so ludicrous that John found himself laughing.

“Seriously, Violet? It’s been two years. Can you not let go of anything? Stop chasing something that’s never going to be yours again.” He pointed toward the door and at Violet’s car parked haphazardly on the curb. “Now, get out.”

Violet snarled at him, backing away from Walrider as he herded her toward the door.

“Bastard,” she hissed. “The pair of you.”

Then she was gone, striding toward her car with a quick step, holding her head high. John shut the door with a heavy sigh. That woman was insufferable. She didn’t like losing her grip on control. Everything was on her terms.

It was tiring, to say the least.

Chapter Sixteen

Chris was looking forward to getting into work. He couldn’t wait to see John again. Working different shifts was going to be tough, but Chris knew he could make it work. Maybe he could change to the day shift again, even if it was for slightly lower pay. That way he could coincide his work hours with John’s. More time with him. Maybe even more than a few nights holding him as he slept.

Chris knew he shouldn’t be getting ahead of himself, moving the relationship faster. But he couldn’t help it. After realizing that a relationship between them could have happened a long time ago, Chris wanted more. John was it for him. He didn’t need to have sex with the man to know it. John was one of those people who was a stable influence. He was a long-term man. And Chris wanted that.

Of course, he knew he needed to talk to John about it. John wanted to take things slow and steady - it had been a while since he had been in a relationship close to long-term - and Chris respected that. But he wanted more.

He knew he had to be careful. This could go wrong if Chris rushed it. And he didn’t want to become a control-freak like Violet. That would have John running away.

He deserved someone who treated him like a king. Chris was prepared to do that. John was worth it.

It was just beginning to get dark as Chris arrived at work. He parked his car and headed into the elevator, whistling jovially. He nodded a greeting at the employees coming out, all three of them giving him odd looks, and he whistled all the way up to the ground floor. Now he had made up his mind about his future, Chris felt as though his step was lighter. He felt better, happier. It had been a while since that had happened.

John was better for him than Chris could imagine.

He waltzed into the security room, opening his locker.

“Evening, Alex.”

“Evening.” At the terminal, Alex swiveled his chair around to watch Chris curiously. “You’re more chipper than normal. What have you been up to?”

“Nothing much.” Chris stored his bag and jacket into his locker, shutting it with a resounding bang and then closing the door to the office. “I’ve just had a good couple of days off. Maybe that break I had was just what I needed.”

Alex chuckled.

“I’ll say?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Chris pulled his chair out and sat, stretching his legs out. “Aren’t I allowed to enjoy my break?”

“Of course you are. Especially if you’re not alone.” Alex smirked. “Who’s the lucky girl, then? The one who’s made you smile like that.”

Chris licked his lips. He had certainly tasted cream, but not off a woman. He winked.

“That’s for me to know and you not to find out.”

“Spoilsport.”

“Always.” Chris stretched his arms above his head and then indicated the coffee takeout cup on the console in front of him. “Is that mine?”

“Yes. I got it about two minutes ago.”

“Good.” Chris picked up the cup and took a sip. The coffee was still warm, the bitter taste filling his mouth. “I’m going to need this tonight.”

“You look like you’re bouncing off the walls.”

“I still need my coffee to keep doing that.” Chris nodded at the various computer screens. “Is there anything we need to concentrate on?”

“No, it’s very quiet right now. Saul and David said it was very calm today. People are starting to trickle out and go home now.”

“Good. Hopefully, that means another quiet night.”

Alex snorted.

“Unless we get some more brats trying to sneak past the cameras.”

Chris grinned. He had been busy earlier in the day. First thing that morning, he had taken his phone to the police to show them the pictures. The police would be questioning the three youths right now. From what the detective had told him, the kids were no stranger to the police and neither were their families.

Somehow, that didn’t surprise him. Although Chris did feel sorry for the children. With parents like theirs, ones who let them smoke and go out attacking people so they could get more money for drugs, they didn’t have a chance.

“I don’t think we’ll have to worry about them anytime soon. The police have got the culprits.”

“Eh?” Alex blinked. “How do you...what have you been doing, Chris?”

“Nothing any more than usual.”

Alex shook his head.

“I don’t know how you do it, old-timer.”

“Hey!” Chris punched Alex’s arm. “I’m not an old-timer!”

“Compared to me you are.” Alex laughed. “What are you, fifty?”

“I’m forty-six, thank you. Nowhere near fifty.”

“Well, it’s still the wrong side of forty, if you ask me.” Alex shrugged. “An old-timer, and you’re still like the Energizer Bunny.”

Chris smirked.

“My partner can certainly verify that last part.”

“You...yuck!” Alex made a face. “That I didn’t want to know.”

“You did say it first.”

“And I wish I hadn’t.” Alex grimaced at his coffee. “Now this coffee is making me sick.”

Chris laughed.

“Oh come off it, Alex! You’re always talking about the escapades you’ve had with women and you don’t care if nobody wants to hear all the intimate details. Why should this be any different?”

“Because it’s me.” Alex shuddered. “I don’t want to know what my boss gets up to in bed with a girl.”

“Who said I was in bed with a girl?”

Chris sipped his coffee, looking over his cup at his colleague as realization dawned. He almost choked on his drink at the sight. Alex looked practically comical.

“You were...wow.” Alex blinked and scratched his head. “That I wasn’t expecting. You are a dark horse.”

“What do you expect me to do? Plaster it on the bulletin board?”

“Right next to me. Then I wouldn’t feel like I’m alone in my confessions.” Alex glanced at the screens, and then he sat up, frowning at one particular screen. “Who’s being a fucking idiot now?”

“What is it?”

“Someone’s left the emergency exit on the east side of the building open.” Alex tapped at the keyboard. “The alarm’s not going off, though.”

“You know what the alarms are like in this building. I think the engineer who looked them over took the batteries out.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised.” Alex shook his head. “Honestly, what idiot decided to go out that way? Everyone knows that’s not supposed to be used unless in an emergency.”

“Perhaps they couldn’t be bothered to make their way down to the parking lot the usual way.” Chris put his cup aside and rose to his feet. “I’ll go and check it out.”

“Okay.” Alex grinned. “Bring back a couple of coffees while you’re at it, old-timer?”

“I beg your pardon?” Chris pretended to swipe at Alex’s head. “Who’s the supervisor here?”

“Sorry, boss.” Alex was still grinning as Chris headed toward the door. “Remember, I like two sugars.”

Chris rolled his eyes and ignored him. The younger man was an annoying little shit. Good company and kept things entertaining, but he didn’t know when to stop. Chris wondered, not for the first time, if his employers would object to him duct-taping Alex to his chair and gagging him.

He headed through the lobby and into the offices on the east side. It was the side backing onto the river, separated by a narrow alleyway. They had had some problems a few years before with teenagers breaking in and taking refuge from the weather in the offices or to enjoy themselves with illegal drugs. The door had been reinforced, but it wouldn’t take much to get back in that way.

Chris entered the room where the photocopiers were kept. The door was partially open, the smell from the river reaching his nostrils. And the wind was strong, rippling past Chris as he hurried over. He shone his flashlight outside, inspecting the alley. There was nobody there.

It had more than likely come open in the wind. There was no sign of anyone around in the offices, and no indication that the door had been forced.

A waste of time.

Chris pulled the door shut and made sure it was secure. Then he headed back into the offices.

He was barely through the door when pain exploded in the back of his head. Then everything went black.

Chapter Seventeen

Not for the first time in that hour, John glanced at his watch. He knew Chris would have started his shift by now, but he didn’t want to head down too early and hang around if Chris had gone on his rounds. That would certainly raise eyebrows. He had to bide his time.

His work had been intense, and John had been trying to catch up on everything all day. He hadn’t had a chance to have a break, not even at lunchtime - John had eaten at his desk. And he hadn’t had a chance to call Chris and warn him about Violet.

His sister was mad to think she could be in charge of her ex-husband’s life. John was aware that Chris had tried to date a few times after the divorce was finalized, but Violet always made sure she got in the way. The dates almost ran in the other direction. Nobody wanted to deal with a jealous ex-wife.

She had lost control, and Violet had been trying to get it back for months. It wasn’t working, but she refused to believe that it was happening. Nothing happened unless she was in control. John had known that for years.

It was a pity Violet hadn’t grasped hold of that herself. Chris was going to have her harassing him now. Moving on with someone else was one thing, but with her own brother? Violet was more than furious about it.

John wished his sister wasn’t such a bitch.

He checked his watch again, and saw it had just gone past the hour. Maybe now would be a good time to wander down to the lobby and stretch his legs, see if Chris was around, have a few private moments with him and then go back to work. That should give him some more energy.

Working different hours to his lover was going to be tough. But John could weather it out if he had to.

Waving at Sandy, who was still working furiously on her own figures, John took the elevator down to the lobby. Ninety minutes after the close of day and people were still trickling out on their way home. John was surprised any of his colleagues knew what home was; nobody seemed to know what relaxation was.

Chris certainly did. And John was just beginning to discover it himself.

He reached the security office, the door to which was open. Rapping on the door, John stuck his head around to find Alex, one of the other night staff, turned in his chair, swiveling around to face him.

“John, hey.” He gave John a grin in greeting. “What’s up?”

“Hey, Alex. Is Chris around?”

“Not right now. He went off to check one of the side exits. Some silly person decided to leave the building out the wrong door.” Alex raised his eyebrows. “Is there anything I can help you with? Is anything wrong?”

“No, thanks.” Now John was feeling deflated. He was going to look like a fool. He shook his head. “It’s okay.”

Alex was watching him curiously.

“If you want, you can wait here for Chris. Save you going all the way back upstairs.”

John hesitated. He should go back to his desk. Chris could easily come up to him. And it would save an awkward silence with Alex. But John found himself entering the office and taking a seat against the wall. Hopefully, Chris wouldn’t be too long. Alex was a nosy guy. Alex sipped his coffee, still watching John.

“What did you want to see Chris about?” He asked. “I thought you and he weren’t on speaking terms.”

“We’re talking now.” John tried to be as vague as he could. “We’ve been talking a bit more lately.”

“Good for you.” Alex grunted. “I was wondering if Violet had got hold of you.”

John snorted

“Not a chance. My sister and I barely speak on cordial terms.”

“Join the rest of the population.”

“I think I was leading the way.”

Alex chuckled.

“I bet.”

He fell silent, and John resisted the urge to squirm. Alex was watching him intently, focusing on John instead of the screens. He cleared his throat.

“Shouldn’t you be working, Alex? Last time I checked, I don’t have a TV screen above my head.”

“I’m working.” Alex tilted his head to the side, still regarding John. “You know, I did wonder about Chris.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I have wondered in the past which way Chris really swung. Being married to a woman doesn’t mean anything. I didn’t realize he had a revolving door.”

John blinked.

“I beg your pardon?”

“You and he are an item, aren’t you?”

Alex was grinning. He looked like he was enjoying himself. John sat up and stared at him.

“What...did Chris tell you something?”

“He said he was dating, but he didn’t say who the lucky person was. I just guess.” Alex’s grin widened. “And I guessed right.”

John groaned. So much for keeping it quiet. Alex was a big gossip. He talked about all his conquests, and they filtered back to the various departments. They made women swoon over the erotic details and men roll their eyes at the elaborate stories. John didn’t want Alex doing the same thing.

“It’s not something we’re going to be broadcasting all over the building, Alex...!”

“Don’t worry, I won’t say a word.” Alex winked. “As long as you don’t broadcast it where I can see it in here, that is. I don’t really want to watch porn while I’m on duty.”

“I’ll remember that,” John grunted.

Then he saw a flicker of movement over Alex’s shoulder. John sat up and saw a dark shadow hurry down the hall on one of the screens.

“What’s going on there?”

“Eh?” Alex turned. “Which one?”

“Middle left screen.” John stood and joined him at the console, pointing at the disappearing figure. “Who’s that? That part of the building is being refurbished. It’s completely deserted for the moment.”

Alex frowned. He brought up the camera on the main screen and tried to move the camera around to get a better angle, switching to another at the opposite end of the corridor. But all John could see was someone dressed in black with a hood covering their head.

“Dammit, can’t get a better angle on him.”

“Do you think someone’s trying to steal something?”

“I wouldn’t be surprised. A few things have been going missing from that department. Computers and so on.”

“Do you think it’s those kids who have been mugging people in the parking lot?”

“I doubt it, unless they had an accomplice. Chris said he’d dealt with them.” Alex was still frowning as he checked the other screens. “Speaking of Chris, where is he? He’s disappeared from sight.”

John could feel something hard in his gut. Something wasn’t quite right. His company was an architect business, not really a target for thieves but there was quite a bit of equipment that could go for a lot of money. To see it actually happening was quite chilling.

Alex was still looking through the footage. Then John saw a body on the floor. It was gone within a second, and he gripped Alex’s shoulder.

“Hang on, go back.”

“Okay.”

Alex flicked the channels back, this time more slowly, and then John saw Chris. He was on the floor, face-down, unmoving. John’s heart momentarily stopped. Was he dead? Had the burglar got to him?

“Shit!”

Alex jumped to his feet and ran to the door. John ran after him. They were halfway across the lobby when Alex stopped and spun around, John careering into him.

“What do you think you’re going?” Alex demanded.

“I’m going with you.”

“Like hell you are!”

“Chris is my partner.” John protested. “I want to make sure he’s okay.”

But Alex was shaking his head, blocking John’s way.

“Not a chance. I won’t get you put into jeopardy as well.”

“We’re not going to be jumped, are we?”

“I’m not taking any chances.” Alex forcibly turned John around and pushed him toward the elevators. “Go back to your department and wait there. I’ll find Chris.”

“But…” John tried to protest, but Alex was still pushing him.

“Don’t argue, you big fool. Go back to your desk. I’ll let you know what’s going on once things are sorted. Go!”

Chapter Eighteen

The first thing Chris was aware of was the intense pain in the back of his head. It felt like it had been split open. His head felt very heavy, and it was difficult to lift it off the ground.

Chris rolled onto his back, forcing his eyes open. It was painful, like someone had hit him between the eyes.

Then again, someone had hit him. Chris hadn’t seen it coming, and he had been blitzed from behind. God only knew what had happened after that.

Chris’ hands were shaking as he fumbled over his body, checking his pockets. Everything seemed to be where it was supposed to be. He still had his wallet and his cell phone, along with his gun and baton. His flashlight was on the carpet beside him, the light starting to flicker.

How long had he been out? Chris mind was full of fog. It could be the next morning, for all he knew. It was difficult to tell.

“Chris!”

Chris heard some footsteps, and the lights turned on. The brightness was too much and Chris clapped his hands over his eyes.

“Fuck! Turn it off!”

“Sorry.” The brightness disappeared. “Better?”

Chris gingerly took his hands away. It was better, but not fantastic.

“It’s manageable.” He started to roll onto his side. “Help me up, will you?”

Seconds later, Alex appeared at his side, kneeling down as Chris pushed up onto his elbows. He put his arms under his colleague and eased him to a sitting position. Chris closed his eyes and waited until everything stopped spinning. He felt like he was going to be sick.

“What hurts?” Alex asked, his hands brushing over Chris’ head. “Is it just your head?”

“Yes.” Chris flinched as Alex’s fingers prodded his skull. “How bad is it?”

“There’s no blood and the skin isn’t broken,” Alex said grimly. He shifted back onto his haunches. “Chances are you’ll have a nice dent in your head.”

“Great. Just what I needed.” Chris pressed his hands to his head and took a deep breath. “Fuck, that hurts.”

“What happened?”

“I don’t know. Someone was lying in wait for me. They must’ve got the door open in the hopes one of us would investigate.”

Alex hissed.

“You were lucky you weren’t killed. What the fuck is going on?”

“If I knew, I’d let you know.” Chris grunted. “Help me up, will you?”

“Do you think you should be standing up?”

“I can’t do my work lying down here, can I?” Chris grasped Alex’s arm. “Help me up.”

Alex let out a grunt as he hauled Chris to his feet. Chris held onto his colleague as he swayed, trying not to fall over again. He squared his shoulders and took steady breaths.

“You need to go back to the office and sit down.” Alex looked concerned. “You’re in no fit state to do anything.”

“I’m fine.” Chris waved away his concerns. “Did you see where my attacker went?”

“I saw someone in the offices that are being refurbished at the back of the building. They were heading toward the back stairwell.” Alex cleared his throat. “When I say I saw him, John was the one who saw him.”

Now he had Chris’ attention. Chris stared at him.

“John? What was John doing in our office?”

“He came to find you. I told him to go back to his offices while I looked for you.”

Chris felt something cold clutching at his chest. He didn’t know why, but he had an inkling that John wasn’t going to go back to his desk unmolested. There was a chance the intruder and John were going to cross paths. John was big enough and strong enough to look after himself, but Chris had thought the same of himself. And he had been taken by surprise.

“Call the police.” Chris started to hurry toward the door, stumbling as the room swayed. “Notify them that we have an intruder on the premises and that he might be armed.”

“Where are you going?”

“I’m going to try and find John.”

Alex snorted.

“Leave your boyfriend for now. We’ve got more important things to do.”

Chris growled.

“Just do it, Alex! I’m not arguing with you right now.”

He ran into the lobby, fumbling for his cell phone as he headed toward the elevators. But as he neared them, Chris saw the ‘out of order’ sign up on both shafts. Typical both were not working when he needed them to be. Cursing, he took a sharp left and hurried over to the service elevator, slamming his hand on the button. The doors opened almost immediately and Chris jumped inside, calling John as he pressed impatiently for the accounting floor. He paced around the metal box as it moved, but John’s phone just kept ringing. Then it went to voicemail. Chris hung up and tried again. That didn’t get answered, either.

“Dammit!”

Chris tried the main number of John’s department. It was picked up on the second ring and a female voice answered.

“Hello, Accounting Department. Sandy speaking.”

“Sandy, it’s Chris. Has John got back to the office yet?”

“No, not yet. Have you tried his cell phone?”

“Yes, and he’s not answering.”

“Odd.” There were the sounds of footsteps and then the rustling of papers before Sandy replied. “Oh, I know why. He left his phone on the desk.”

“Shit!” Then Chris winced. “Sorry.”

“Don’t worry about me. What’s wrong with you? You sound strange.”

“Just tell John to stay put when he gets back to his desk. I’m on my way up now.”

“Okay. Are you sure things are all right?”

Chris didn’t want to upset Sandy over something that was more than likely nothing. He hung up without answering and looked at the door. The numbers above the doors said he had only gone up to the second floor. John was on the fifth. The service elevator was incredibly slow. Chris kicked at the wall.

“Dammit! Stupid tin box.”

Chapter Nineteen

John could feel the sweat sticking his shirt to his back, more trickling down his brow. It had been a while since he had climbed the stairs up to his floor. After attempting that when he first started, thinking it would get him fitter, John had quickly discarded that. It was far too much effort, even if it was less crowded than the elevators. At least he wouldn’t look like he had been running a marathon by the time he reached his office.

How could the elevators had gone out of order in the five minutes John had been in the security office? They had worked absolutely fine on the way down. John hadn’t had any complaints. And yet when he went back to go up to his office, John had found the ‘out of order’ signs on both elevators.

There were no signs of any cleaners having come through. They always left the lobby until last, starting from the top and working their way down. So where had the signs come from?

John didn’t want to tempt fate by ignoring the signs and going into a suddenly defective elevator. Which meant going by the stairs. That he was not looking forward to. The stairs felt like an element of torture. Those who worked on the upper floors complained whenever the elevators were out of order.

At least the CEOs had had the forethought to put their offices on the ground floor. It was a shame everyone else didn’t have the same luck.

John took the stairs slowly and steadily, concentrating on his breathing as he climbed. He got into a rhythm and it was difficult to get out of it; he found himself stumbling at the top of each flight because his feet were looking for the next step.

His legs were screaming at him by the time John reached the fourth floor. Those stairs were awful. John was surprised he was still upright.

Chris had better be okay, and John hoped if he was that he would come upstairs to John instead of John going all the way back down. After his journey up, the journey down would be even worse.

Unless he took the service elevator. That was reserved for the catering staff and the cleaners. It was slow as hell, but it worked. John didn’t think anyone would notice or care if he used it after-hours.

John turned up to face the final flight. One more set of stairs and he would be in his office. And in need of a shower. John made a face. He could practically smell the sweat rising off him.

Maybe they should install an escalator.

Halfway up, John heard a loud bang. It sounded like a door opening and closing. He stopped and leaned over the banister, looking up the stairwell.

“Hello?” Then he looked down. “Is anyone there?”

But all that met him was silence. It was ringing in his ears. John waited a moment, but he couldn’t hear anything more. He shook his head and snorted.

“Get over yourself, you idiot,” he muttered. “You’re jumping at shadows now.”

Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, John took the stairs two at a time. He almost fell back down as his legs threatened to buckle, but he managed to get to the top. There he stood for a moment, hands on his head as he tried to get the air back into his lungs.

That was even tougher than a vigorous run with Walrider.

Then John heard footsteps coming down the stairs. He turned, and then he was shoved suddenly from the side. This caused him to stumble, but before John caught his balance, he was shoved again in the back. John’s foot missed the top step and he fell heavily down the stairs. Pain exploded in his arm and he heard a loud snap. His right arm starting flailing around like part of a rag doll as he went down.

He hit the turn and kept rolling, coming to a stop against the wall. His head hit the concrete, and John began to see stars. He could feel blackness descending on him, but the pain kept it back. It was so intense that John felt himself close to tears.

“John!”

A door opened and banged closed, footsteps running down the stairs. Then Chris was kneeling beside him, his eyes wide in shock.

“What the…?”

“My arm.” John gasped. He turned to move his right arm, but it refused to do as he wanted. “What’s happened to it?”

Chris’ face had gone white. Then John looked down and saw why. His arm was at a completely different angle. It was definitely broken, and the pain was white hot all the way up to his shoulder. His fingers had gone numb.

“Fuck! That hurts.”

Then the door opened again, and Sandy appeared at the top of the stairs. She paled and shrieked when she saw John.

“What the fuck?”

Chris stood. His expression had turned to stone as he took out his gun.

“Stay with John, Sandy, and call an ambulance. Make sure he doesn’t move.”

“Chris…”

But Chris was already charging back up the stairs and through the door.

Chapter Twenty

John’s arm was broken. In more than one place. Chris didn’t need to be a doctor to know that. It was a wonder he hadn’t broken his neck.

When Chris had finally got up onto the floor John worked at, he had seen someone running from the stairwell and down the hall. He had started to run after them, only to hear moans of pain coming from the stairwell. Then he had found John, crumpled at the bottom of the flight with his arm bent in a way it should never go.

That just sent Chris into a rage. Whoever had hurt John was going to pay for it. Chris was out for blood.

He ran down the hall, checking each of the offices and various cubicles. Accounting was a larger department than he thought, branching off into several different areas within the company. And Chris was getting dizzy getting each room. Nothing seemed to be out of place. Sandy and John had been the only people on the entire floor.

And now there was somebody else.

After checking every office, Chris then headed toward the restrooms. He was hoping that whoever attacked him and John wanted to fight because he was ready for one. His head was still hurting, and John was going to need a hospital. The bastard was going to pay.

Chris went into the men’s restroom first and checked the two cubicles. Nobody there. He left and went into the ladies. Still nobody there.

As Chris left the restroom, he then remembered another doorway at the far side of the office. It was an emergency exit in case the route to the stairs was blocked. It went all the way down to the parking lot. And recently, security had taken to locking it as people kept using it as a lazy way to get to their car and setting the alarm off. The designated key-holder, one of the managers, now kept the key in her desk next door.

From the muffled curses he could hear as he hurried down the hall, it was something the attacker didn’t know about.

Chris turned the corner and saw a black-hooded figure barging his shoulder at the door, letting out a grunt of pain as he bounced off. He pounced at the door with his fists.

“Fucking thing! Come on!”

Chris slowed to a sudden stop. He knew that voice. And it wasn’t one he had expected.

“Violet?”

He couldn’t believe his ears. And then Chris couldn’t believe his eyes as the figure spun around and he saw his ex-wife’s eyes widening as she stared back at him. She was dressed in black sweats, black running shoes, and black gloves. Chris had never seen her like this.

What was going on?

“Chris.” Violet stepped toward him, holding up her hands to ward him off. “This is not what it looks like, I swear.”

“It looks like you’re trying to flee after whacking me over the head and pushing your brother down the stairs.” Chris advanced on her. “You’ve broken his arm, Violet.”

“I didn’t mean to hurt him!” Violet protested. “I just wanted to warn him.”

“Warn him of what?”

“Warn him away from you.”

Chris thought he was going mad. The bang on the head seemed to have mashed up his brain. He rubbed his head.

“So, you bashed me over the head and pushed John down the stairs and for what? Why the fuck would you do that?”

“I didn’t want to hurt you.” Violet said hurriedly. “I knew a guard would come and check the open door and I thought if I could get one out of the way, then by the time the other one went to check on him I wouldn’t be observed.” She grasped his arm. “I didn’t realize you were going to come and investigate. I would never have hit you had I known.”

“But you did.” Chris pulled his arm away. “What the hell were you thinking, Violet? This elaborate distraction and attempted escape? All this to hurt John. He could have been killed!”

“He wouldn’t have backed off unless something happened to him.”

“What are you talking about?”

Violet bit her lip as it trembled. But her eyes were starting to glow with her defiance. Anger was building. And pride.

Pride for what she had done. Chris felt sick at the sight.

“John’s always wanted everything that I had.” Violet sneered. “Even you. I know years ago that he had a crush on you, but I got you instead.”

Chris blinked.

“Are you saying that you got with me so John couldn’t? You wanted to make him jealous?”

“Partly, and partly because I wanted you for myself.” Violet pressed her hands against his chest. “You were what I wanted. Tall, strong and gorgeous. Passionate in the bedroom and you treated me like a princess.”

Chris slapped her hands away and stepped back.

“You got between us because you wanted to taunt your brother?” He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. This felt like a bizarre nightmare. “And then when we finally got together, you got jealous and pushed him down the stairs?”

“Why do you think I kept coming back to you over the last couple of years? I wanted you back. I loved you, and John couldn’t have you. Not when I’d had you first.”

Chris wished he wasn’t here. This was too surreal.

“You didn’t want me back because you loved me.” He snapped. “You wanted me back so you could still wrap me around your little finger. I don’t do that, Violet. You cheated on me, that’s it. Gone.”

Violet shook her head. She was looking less angry, yet crazier.

“Not me, Chris.” She whispered. “I’m always going to be there. And I knew I was close to getting you back. Just a little more perseverance. Until my brother got in the way.” She shook her head. “You and he shouldn’t be together. You’re mine, not his.”

“I’m your ex-husband, not your plaything, Violet.” Chris shot back. “And I love John. I’m not going to throw him over to satisfy your selfish needs.”

Violet faltered, her mouth falling open.

“You...you love him? You’ve barely dated a week.”

“After knowing him for twenty years, I think it’s safe to say I know him well enough.” Chris reached for Violet’s arm. “Come on, we’re going to my office. By the elevator, which I suspect had something to do with you.”

“I put up the out of order sign so John would have to take the stairs.” Violet looked up at Chris. Her lower lip was still trembling. “John’s not having you. I won’t let him.”

Chris said nothing as he tugged Violet toward the elevator. He wasn’t going to argue anymore. How could you argue with crazy?

Chapter Twenty-One

John was aware of the pain first. His arm felt like it was on fire. He shifted, trying to get away from the heat, and then something tugged at his other hand. It was a sharp pain, more focused on one point than all over like in his other arm.

John managed to open his eyes. Where was he? The last thing he remembered was being slumped in the stairwell at work. Now he was in a bed, the lights dimmed and something was bleeping nearby. It was an incessant noise that made his head throb.

“Hey, sleepy-head.”

John could just make out a shape next to the bed. It was out of focus. He concentrated, and soon the shape turned into something sharper. A person. Chris was leaning over the side of his bed, smiling as he finally came into focus.

“Chris?”

“That’s me.” Chris was stroking his head. He looked like he hadn’t had any sleep. “I was beginning to think you wouldn’t wake up.”

“Wake up?” John tried to look around him but anything beyond the end of the bed was still a little blurry. “Where am I?”

“The hospital. You passed out as the paramedics got you into the elevator.” Chris swallowed, his smile fading a little. “That was last night.”

“Last night? I’ve been unconscious all night.”

“And most of the day. It’s three in the afternoon.”

John groaned. He had been unconscious for close to eighteen hours, and it felt like he had only been asleep ten minutes. He looked down at himself. He wore a hospital gown and there was a thick plaster cast over his right arm, going from his fingers right up to above his elbow. An IV needle was stuck in his left hand, tugging at the skin and the skin tickling under the tape. His casted arm was throbbing like crazy.

At least it wasn’t hurting as much as before. But it still didn’t feel right.

“What happened to my arm?”

“Don’t you remember anything?”

“I remember how I hurt myself. But what’s the extent?”

Chris sat on the edge of the bed, his hand resting on John’s thigh. It was then John noticed that he was still wearing his uniform. He hadn’t been home at all. Everything was creased.

“Chris, what…?”

“You had a smashed elbow, and your ulna was broken in two places.” Chris sighed. “You had to go into surgery to put a metal rod into your arm. The doctor said you needed to have physio once the cast comes off.”

A metal rod? John hadn’t realized it had been that bad. He had thought it was just a dislocated elbow. He swallowed.

“Who pushed me? Did you find out?”

Chris was silent. He stared at a point over John’s head, his jaw tightening. John tried to sit up, only for Chris to ease him back.

“Don’t try and sit up. You’ll dislodge the needle.”

“Screw that. You’re not answering me. Did you find out who pushed me?”

“I’m afraid I did. And you’re not going to like it.”

“Chris, I’m lying in a hospital bed with a smashed arm that’s going to keep me off work for months. What else isn’t there to like.”

Chris closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Then he opened his eyes, and John saw the pain in them.

“It was Violet.”

“You what?”

John thought he had misheard. Chris nodded grimly.

“She sneaked in and created a diversion, knocked me out and then made sure you would go up the stairs instead of the elevator. That way she could push you down the stairs.”

“Violet?”

John stared at Chris, but the man’s expression said he was serious. And he wasn’t happy about it.

“I don’t understand. Why would Violet go through all that just to hurt me?”

“The police said she was acting on impulse. No time to properly formulate a plan. All she wanted was to get you out the way.”

“I’m still trying to get my head around this.”

“She wanted to get back with me. Even after everything, she wanted to have the stable life she had with me while carrying on her antics. And I refused to let her have her way.” Chris shook his head. “Violet thought she was wearing me down, but then she found out I’d hooked up with you. And that made her flip.”

That was far too much for John to take in. He felt like his head was going to explode. John knew Violet could do crazy things, but he never thought she would do something like this. Then again, in Violet’s mind this wouldn’t have counted at crazy. It would have been her way of getting control back, back to how things were as she wanted it. And that meant getting John out the way so she could have no obstacles in the way for her final target, which was Chris.

It was ridiculous. It was pathetic. And it had sadly happened to them.

“I know she and I didn’t get along, but to do this so she could get you back…” John rested his head back and stared at the ceiling. “I feel like I’m in a bizarre movie.”

“That’s Violet for you. She’s the leading lady in her own movie.”

“And she was losing control of the plot.” John muttered. He looked at Chris. “Has it worked?”

“You mean am I going back with a crazy woman who pushed my lover down the stairs?” Chris shook his head and his hand squeezed John’s thigh. “Not a chance. You’re stuck with me, I’m afraid.”

That made John feel better than he expected. He covered his hand over Chris’, feeling how warm his lover’s hand was against his own. John hadn’t realized how cold he was.

“I’m so sorry, Chris.”

“What are you sorry about?”

“For having such a crazy family.”

Chris laughed. He lifted John’s hand to his mouth and kissed his knuckles, his rough jaw grazing against John’s skin.

“I think I can handle crazy.” He indicated John’s broken arm. “You know, you’re going to need someone to look after you. Tend to your needs.”

“I suppose I am.” John eyed the cast. It was bulky and looked very ugly. “I very much doubt Walrider is going to be a very good nurse.”

“Well, if you’re happy with it, you can come and stay with me. Only if you want to,” Chris added hurriedly, “That way I can keep an eye on you and look after Walrider. He’ll enjoy having long walks in the hills.”

John found himself smiling. That sounded like a perfect plan. He squeezed Chris’ fingers.

“That sounds perfect.”

Chris smiled back. But there was still something going on behind his eyes. John could sense his mind was wandering elsewhere. After what had happened the night before, he couldn’t blame Chris. But John found himself sitting up.

“John,” Chris tried to ease him back onto the pillows, “You shouldn’t be getting up.”

“Screw that.” John shrugged Chris’ hands away and tapped Chris on the head. “There’s something going on in that head of yours, Chris, and I want to know what’s going on. What’s troubling you?”

“Why should I have anything wrong?”

“Besides the fact I’m lying here with a broken arm? Chris, I know you. I can tell something’s wrong.”

Chris let out a heavy sigh. Then he slid his fingers through John’s hair and rested his forehead against John’s. That made John’s head hurt even more, but he didn’t want to pull away.

“I’m still trying to get over the fact my ex-wife was so determined to get me back that she thought getting rid of the competition would do the trick and have me crawling back to her.”

“You know Violet. She’s never been able to take things unless she had some form of control. If it wasn’t on her terms, in her eyes it didn’t matter.” John kissed him softly. “You divorced her, Chris. You pushed her away, and she couldn’t handle that.”

“She accepted the divorce, John.”

“Only because her lawyer advised her to do so. Violet wanted to have a husband and several boyfriends, anyone who could give her what she wanted.”

“Which was attention.” Chris said grimly. “She may have wanted lots of people to love her, but I prefer to be just the one.”

John smiled and cupped Chris’ bristled jaw in his palm.

“So do I. You won’t have to worry about that.” He sighed. “I’m still sorry you have to be involved with a mad family.”

Chris returned his smile before he returned John’s kiss.

“Don’t apologize. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chris swam to the end of the private pool and stopped, propping his arms on the side. John was still sitting on the sun lounger, his head bent as he read his book. The man had been reading since he had come out an hour before. How could one person be so intent on just one book? This was meant to be a vacation.

“Aren’t you going to get in now?” he asked.

John barely lifted his head as he answered.

“Once I’ve finished this chapter.”

“You said that ten minutes ago,” Chris laughed. “Get in on your own or I’m getting out and bringing you in. And the book is coming in as well.”

John sighed and put the book aside, placing his reading glasses on top.

“You order me around too much,” he complained with a smile.

“And you love it.”

“God help me, but I do.”

John stood and walked toward the pool. Chris watched as his lover strolled toward him. Even after six months together, the intensity of his love for John was still there. Just the sight of him was enough for Chris to get hard. Especially while they were in the Bahamas, where they spent most of the time sitting by the pool in their private villa in just their swimming trunks. And Chris’ mouth watered whenever John walked around in his trunks. They certainly left little to the imagination.

John was certainly looking more confident. It had been six weeks since he had had the cast taken off, the only thing left of his escapade being a long red scar down his forearm. Physio was going well, and Chris had decided to celebrate by booking a vacation for them, bringing David and Katherine along as well. His in-laws were delighted to get away from home for a while.

At least it would take their mind off what would happen when they got back. Violet had refused to take a plea and she was going to trial. Everyone thought it was ridiculous for her to even think she could get away with what she had done, but Violet was sure she would walk out the courthouse a free woman. She was being held without bail on charges of assault and attempted murder. She had called Chris so often that Chris had had to let the prison know that he wasn’t accepting calls from her anymore.

She hadn’t learned her lesson. He wasn’t mad, and Violet was certainly mad if she thought Chris would be waiting for her after everything she had done.

It had taken a toll on John’s family. A break was what they needed. All of them.

John went to the steps at the shallow end and stepped into the water, sitting on the top step so the water washed over his lap. Chris swam over to him and crawled up the steps. John opened his thighs and Chris slid his body against his lover’s, kissing him deeply. John sighed and slid his arms around Chris’ back.

“You taste delicious,” he said against Chris’ mouth.

“Always.” Chris could feel John’s erection pressing against his belly. He reached down and rubbed John’s cock, swallowing John’s moan into his mouth. “What time did your parents say they would be back?”

“Huh?” John looked a little dazed. Then his eyes re-focused and he sat back, resting his elbows on the side of the pool. “Dad said he would take Mom out to lunch. They won’t be back until two, he said.”

“About three hours away.” Chris grinned as he tugged at John’s trunks. “Let’s not waste it.”

John grinned back. He lifted his hips and allowed Chris to tug his trunks down.

“Sounds like an idea,” he purred as his cock sprang free, almost touching his belly-button.

Chris stroked John’s cock, feeling it twitch in his hand. John let out a sigh, his head falling back as Chris started stroking his balls. Chris could feel his own cock pressing against his trunks, and he groaned as the friction built his arousal.

“Suck me, Chris,” John panted. “Suck my cock.”

Chris smiled.

“Impatient, are we?”

“Always.” John thrust into Chris’ hand. “Just suck me.”

Chris lowered his head, taking John’s cock into his mouth until the head of his cock bumped against the back of Chris’ throat. Then Chris tightened his mouth and swallowed. John let out a low, louder moan, the moan rippling down Chris’ spine as he licked his tongue along the underside of John’s shaft, swirling his tongue around as he raised his head, sliding his lips along John’s cock.

He lapped and sucked at John’s cock with gusto, his hands cupping John’s hips to hold him still. Chris just couldn’t get enough of John. Then John was pushing at him, nudging him away.

“Your turn,” he said sharply. “Get naked. Now.”

Chris wasn’t about to argue. He pulled away, giving John’s cock one last lick, and pushed his trunks down, allowing them to float away. Then John slid into the pool, pulling Chris into a kiss as he pressed against him. As he stole kiss after kiss, sucking Chris’ tongue into his mouth, John grabbed Chris’ legs and lifted him, wrapping his legs around John’s waist. Chris tilted back and moaned as the blunt head of John’s cock pressed against his anus.

“Still eager.” John grinned. He squeezed Chris’ buttocks in his hands and drew his cheeks apart. “Let’s not leave you hanging.”

He jerked his hips, and Chris gasped as John’s cock slid in easily, his hips bumping against Chris’ thighs. Even after six months of making love to the man and John never failed to make Chris feel close to cumming like it was his first time. It just felt too good.

John wasn’t gentle. Still gripping onto Chris’ cheeks, he hammered his hips, thrusting his cock into Chris’ ass. Chris’ legs tightened around John’s waist, clutching his shoulders as he hung on. John lowered his head and sucked on Chris’ neck before he bit down. Hard.

Chris let out a cry, his orgasm hitting him hard. Lights exploded behind his eyes, and he shuddered in John’s arms. Then he was spinning, aware that John was getting into shallow water. John laid him on the steps and spread Chris’ legs, still pistoning his hips as he fucked Chris’ ass. His body was starting to tense up, his face tightening in his arousal. Chris loved to watch him like this.

He tilted his hips, taking more of John’s cock into him. That had John shuddering and he jerked, almost falling over Chris. Chris could feel his release inside him, John’s cock twitching in a way that made Chris’ dwindling climax build up again. He moaned and tugged John down in for a kiss. John sighed, sinking into his arms. Then he lifted his head with a dazed smile.

“That never gets boring,” he whispered.

“Glad you think so.” Chris kissed him. “I think you’ve wrung me out.”

“You wanted me to come into the pool.”

Chris sat up with a grin. “Wanna go skinny-dipping?”

John smiled back, pulling Chris into deeper water.

“Sounds like a good idea.”